Jama Masjid, Bijapur

The Jama Masjid is the first and largest mosque of Bijapur (State: Karnataka) city. Built in 1686, during the rule of Adil Shah I, the Jama Masjid is a simple and huge rectangular structure with graceful arches.

The grand architecture includes a huge hall having 45 compartments. Above this hall resting on the beams is the massive onion-shaped dome. The masjid occupies an area of over 10,000 square meters and can accommodate 2250 devotees.

On the either side of the arches there are small carvings at the top. The interior of each compartments are carved beautifully.

The only interior decoration at the mosque is Mihrab shown above.

[Read Posts...]

Ibrahim Roza - Mosque, Bijapur

The Ibrahim Roza complex located in the western outskirts of the Bijapur (State: Karnataka) city. Built sometime in 16th century, it comprises of a tomb and mosque. For now we will concentrate on the details of mosque.

The mosque has perfect domes that is topped with crescent moons. There are symmetrical minarets on four corners of the mosque.

The doorways with the distinctive pointed arch lead into cool high-ceiling chambers. The carvings on the arches are very grand.

If keenly observed one can see a stone chain hanging from the top.

The symmetry in the arches are worth noticing and interiors are well decorated and properly carved.

[Read Posts...]

Methar Mahal, Bijapur

Methar Mahal constructed in 1620, this is one of the interesting sights in Bijapur (State: Karnataka). Even though by name it is called "Mahal" this is not a place. This is a turret with the Mehtar mosque behind it.

This is a two-storeyed structure with an exquisite entrance. The roof has two delicate minarets standing straight and tall.

This ornamental gateway is an excellent example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It is embellished by a profusion of carvings in the form of brackets supporting the balconies and stone trellis work in Hindu Style.

[Read Posts...]

Ibrahim Roza, Bijapur

This is located on the western outskirts of the Bijapur (State: Karnataka) city. Built sometime in 16th century, it is one of the most brilliant designs of Islamic architecture.

Here there are two buildings on a common platform, surrounded by beautiful gardens on three sides. These buildings have perfect domes at the top with crescent moons, with symmetrical minarets at the four corners as can be seen from the images above. The huge doorways leads one into cool high-ceiling chambers. Between the two buildings is the place for water pool with fountains.

The building on the left is the tomb of ruler of Bijapur, Ibrahim Adil Shah II and his family. One can see inside this the tombs of he king, his queen, his daughter, two sons and his mother. It has minarets that rise to a height of 24 meters and are considered the inspiration for the minarets of the Taj Mahal.

The other building on the platform is the mosque.

[Read Posts...]