Provincial Architecture: Bijapur | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Indo-Islamic Architecture in Bijapur:

• Bijapur, located in Karnataka, is known for its rich Indo-Islamic architecture that flourished under Muslim rulers during the medieval period.
• The city first witnessed Islamic architecture in the late 13th century under Allaudin Khilji and later under the Bahamani Empire in 1347. However, it was during the reign of the Adil Shahi dynasty in the 15th to 17th century that Bijapur became adorned with remarkable Indo-Islamic structures.

Architectural Highlights:

Bijapur is renowned for its architectural marvels, including minarets, domes, and grand burial chambers.
Notable structures include:

• Gol Gumbaz: Famous for its massive dome and echoing chamber.
• Ibrahim Rauza: A stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Malik-e-Maidan: The largest medieval cannon in the world.
• Upri Buruj, Chand Bawdi, Asar Mahal, Gagan Mahal, Barakaman, Jumna Mosque, Jal Manzil, Sat Manzil, Jod Gumbaz, Anand Mahal: Each showcasing unique architectural features.

Adil Shahi Dynasty and Architectural Flourishing:

• Bijapur became the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty after the Bahmani kingdom disintegrated in 1482.
• The period witnessed remarkable achievements in Islamic architecture and art.
• Adil Shahi rulers focused primarily on architecture and allied arts.

Ali Adil Shah I (1557-1579):

• Marked the golden period of Indo-Islamic architecture in Bijapur.
• Expanded the kingdom and built citadels, palaces, gardens, and pavilions.
• Constructed the Jumma Masjid to commemorate the victory at Talikota.

Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1580-1626):

• Further expanded the kingdom and developed Bijapur to its political, cultural, and territorial peak.

City Planning and Fortifications:

• The Adil Shahi dynasty began constructing the citadel in the early 16th century, including a fortress, palace, imperial buildings, and mosques.
• As their power grew, a city developed around the citadel, enclosed within fortified walls.
• The walls extended over six miles, with six city gates radiating from the citadel.

Architectural Style and Influences:

• Bijapur's architecture reflects a blend of Turkish and Indian cultural influences.
• Key features include dome shapes, unique arches, and prominent cornices.
• The domes are almost spherical, rising from a band of conventional petals.
• The Bijapur arch is characterized by a fuller curve and four centers.

Sculptural Elements:

• Bijapur's Indo-Islamic architecture is also known for its sculptural elements, with decorative patterns drawn from plastic art.
• Notable sculptures include arch spandrils with voluted brackets holding medallions and foliated finials.
• Other decorations include hanging lamps, running borders, and interlaced symbols, carved in stone or molded in stucco.

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Jami Masjid

Jami Masjid:

• Built by Ali Shah I(1558-1580).
• Located in the southeast part of Bijapur city.
• Exemplifies Indo-Islamic architecture.

Size and Structure:

• Large rectangular plan:450 feet by 225 feet.
• Entrance gates on the eastern, southern, and northern sides.

Architectural Features:

• Walls feature plain masonry with two rows of arcades.
• Lower arcade is ornamental, while the upper row is open, creating an arched corridor similar to a loggia.

Gol Gombadh

• Gol Gombadh, meaning "rose dome" due to its petal-like base, is the mausoleum of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah I.
• Structure is a 47.5 m (156 ft) cube topped by a 44 m (144 ft) diameter dome, supported by eight intersecting arches.
• At each corner of the cube are seven-story octagonal towers with internal staircases and round galleries.
• Inside, a square podium with steps leads to a cenotaph slab marking the actual grave below, a unique feature of Adil Shahi architecture.
• The mausoleum features a large half-octagonal bay on the west side and has one of the largest single chamber spaces in the world at 1,700 m² (18,000 sq ft).

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Ibrahim Rauza

• Location and Historical Significance: The Ibrahim Rauza is a mausoleum located just outside the city walls on the western side. It serves as the final resting place for Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the fifth king of the Adil Sahi dynasty, who reigned from 1580 to 1627.
• Architectural Features: The Rauza comprises two main structures—a tomb and a mosque—surrounded by a single square enclosure. Despite its modest size of 450 feet square, with the tomb building measuring only 115 feet, the architecture is executed with remarkable precision.
• Layout and Design: The enclosure features an oblong terrace measuring 360 feet long by 150 feet wide. The tomb is located at the eastern end, while the mosque faces it at the western end. The arched verandah is supported by a row of pillars, creating a double arcade around the central chamber.
• Ornamentation: The outer wall of the tomb chamber is adorned with intricate carvings. Each wall is divided into an arcade of three shallow arches, bordered and panelled with fine details. The corners of the building feature graceful shapes filled with arabesques, repeating diapers, or traceries inscriptions.

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Mihtar Mahal

Mihtar Mahal

• Built in 1620 during the reign of Ibrahim Adil Shah II.
• Notable for its unique rauza character.
• Exterior features:
• Slender buttresses and elegant turrets.
• Windows with projected balconies and large eaves.
• Architectural elements include:
• Pointed arch doorways.
• Decorative buttresses, string-courses, and moldings.
• Indo-Islamic architecture in Bijapur is characterized by a blend of Islamic and Hindu styles, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the region.