Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur is the mausoleum of king Muhammad Adil Shah, Adil Shah Dynasty. Construction of the tomb, located in Vijayapura (formerly Bijapur), Karnataka, India, was started in 1626 and completed in 1656. The name is based on Gola gummata derived from Gol Gombadh meaning "circular dome". It follows the style of Indo-islamic architecture. Even a slight whisper by someone standing in this gallery can be heard everywhere in the gallery, and if somebody claps, the echo can be heard several times.
Architecture:
Styled on the Dravidian architecture amalgamating the Islamic influences, the very name Gol Gumbaz stems from ‘Gola Gombadh’ or Gol Gomata’ translating to a circular dome. Made of dark grey basalt stone, its chamber is among the biggest in the world measuring 18,000 sq ft and the whispering gallery allowing people to hear their most hushed tones courtesy the acoustics of the space. It is said that you can hear a word echo for about 12 times across the other end of the dome. The 144 ft high roof with a 156 ft cube on either side beneath has eight arches traversing the two squares interlocking together that work as the base for the dome. There are four octagonal towers placed at each corner comprising a staircase. And each tower has a gallery on the top floor. The podium sits pretty in the centre hall with steps on the two sides.
The precinct of Gol Gumbaz comprises a mosque, garden, tavern and a museum. A cenotaph graces the podium in the middle separating the main grave underneath. The entrance to the mausoleum will greet you with a piece of meteorite which is said to have been fallen during the rule of Sultan and is believed to safeguard the tomb from lightning.
25 авг 2024
