Said to have been built originally by Raja Gulchand of Warangal, Gulbarga Fort was later strengthened by Ala-ud-din Bahaman. The Fort, occupying an area of 20 acres with a circumference of 3 km has a double fortification with a 30 ft moat between the walls and reflects a blend of West Asian and European military architecture. The cannons used by the Bahamanis, including one of 25 ft, are placed inside the Fort.
Completed in 1367, this grand mosque inside the Fort is a delightful monument that is still well-preserved. Resembling the mosque at Cardova in Spain, the Jumma Masjid covers an area of over 38,000 sq.ft. Five large domes and 250 arches add to the beauty of this mosque, which displays a strong Persian touch in its architecture.
Built as the tomb of Saint Gisu Daraz, by a merchant, it is said that the Saint refused to be buried here as the merchant was a money lender. Located on a lonely hill, the Chor Gumbaz is an attractive mausoleum with a 30 mt high hemispherical dome and corner towers with arches on each side, though it does not have the proportions of the famed Gol Gumbaz.
Constructed during the reign of Muhammad Shah-I, this is an attractive mosque with beautiful columns, arches and domes. An arched entrance with tall minars on either side lead into an open courtyard and a prayer hall at the rear.
| DARGAH OF KHWAJA BANDA NAWAZ |
|
A Sufi saint who lived in Gulbarga from 1407 to 1422, Khwaja Banda Nawaz is revered by Muslims and people of other faiths. His dargah has verses from the Koran, painted in gold as well as paintings in the Turkish and Iranian styles. A library in the premises has over 10,000 rare books on history, philosophy and religion. The annual Urus of the saint on the 15th of the Zakid month draws devotees from around the country.
A group of seven tombs of Bahamani rulers and their commanders, these mausoleums display a unique structural arrangement. Two mortuary chambers, one for the ruler and the other for family members, forming part of a single tomb, distinguish these mausoleums. The mausoleum of Taj-ud-Din Firuz has a two-storied facade, the first among monuments in the Deccan.
| SHARANA BASAVESHWARA TEMPLE |
|
A leading light of the Veerashaiva movement, Sharana Basaveshwara was active in the Gulbarga region. A temple was built in due course, over his tomb after his death in 1822. The temple took its present form in the early 20th century and displays beautiful pillars, arches and pilasters. The pillars are decorated with Peacocks, Garudas, Nagas, Parrots, Elephants, etc.
Constructed during the rule of the Nizams as a rest house for them, this building has a distinct appearance. Built with two shades of stone, it has an arched entrance with horse-shoe shaped windows flanking it on either side.
Resembling the tombs at Sath Gumbaz, the mausoleums at Holkunda are in memory of significant personalities of the Bahamani Kingdom.
A new capital build by Firoz Shah Bahamani on the banks of the Bhima River, Firozabad evokes comparison with Fatehpur Sikri. The ruined monuments here include palaces, mosques, gateways and a fort.
An important archaeological site, Sannati has seen the discovery of pre-historic implements as well as Buddhist sculptures and monuments from the Satavahana period (200-400 AD). A number of edicts in Prakrit have also been excavated.
Historically, the capital of the Rashtrakutas, Malkhed is located on the banks of the Kagini, a tributary of the Bhima. Once a city with beautiful palaces and gardens, it also has monuments from Bahamani times, besides a number of Jain Basadis.
| TOMB OF MUHAMMAD SHAH - 1 |
|
Built in the style of the Pathans of North India, the tomb of Muhammad Bahaman Shah-I is located on the way to Aland. Though not as decorative as the mausoleums of later Bahamani kings, it displays simplicity and grace that is attractive.
Located 6 km from Gulbarga, the Buddha Vihara is a modern-day monument that pays tribute to the Buddha and draws inspiration from Sanchi and the Ajanta and Ellora caves. A 400 kg gold-plated, panchaloha statue of a seated Buddha – the largest in South India, is placed in the prayer hall and the ceiling depicts scenes from Buddha’s life. An ornate entrance sthoopa, a 75ft high tower, delicately carved doors, museum, open-air theater and a large bronze statue of Dr. Ambedkar are other highlights.
