HISTORICALSOFINDIA: Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur, Karnataka

Gol Gumbaz means round dome. It is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, the 7th ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Indian sultans, who ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur from 1490 to 1686. Gol Gumbaz is situated in Bijapur district, in the state of Karnataka, India. The construction of the Gol Gumbaz was completed in 1659, by the famous architect, Yaqut of Dabul. The Dome is the second largest one in the world which is unsupported by any pillars.

Architectures of Gol Gumbaz :

Muhammad Adil shah II (1622-1657), who succeeded Ibrahim II, designed a tomb for him self, that was very different from any tomb in the past. He selected a large tract of land on the east side of the fort far away from the street and designed a square garden inside the gate. Here he built a tomb having a diameter of 44m. On the four corners, a seven storeyed minaret built and a dome 36m in diameter of 44m. On the four corners, a seven storeyed minaret built and a dome 36m in diameter was perched on top. There is no buttress taking the pressure of this the largest dome in India. It just stands on the four sturdy walls. The height of the ceiling is 50m. The space inside has no pillars and is devoid of decorations. At the base of the dome are balconies from where important personalities could look into the tomb.

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