New Delhi: The innumerable historical monuments in India can possibly be divided into two parts, the famous ones and those which are lesser-known. The Gol Gumbaz in Karnataka is one of those monuments which hovers between these two types. It is famous in Karnataka, but outside the state, whether people are aware about its history and significance is debatable. This article aims to unearth the importance of Gol Gumbaz and present it to the readers for their enrichment of knowledge.
Gol Gumbaz: A forgotten historical monument in Karnataka
Gol Gumbaz, located in Karnataka’s Vijayapura, stands as a remarkable monument that transports tourists back in time to the age of the kings and sultans in South India. The rich historical significance and striking features of the Gol Gumbaz make it magnificent, offering the visitors an an immersive expedition which shows its history and glorious features.
It is a 17th-century mausoleum which houses the remains of Mohammad Adil Shah, a sultan of the Adil Shahi dynasty apart from having the remains of few of his relatives as well. Its construction started around the middle of the 17th century when the reign of Mohammad Adil Shah, which spanned from 1627 to 1656, was coming to an end. Notably, Gol Gumbaz is situated behind Sufi saint Hashim Pir’s dargah. Interestingly, the construction Gol Gumbaz was not completed and it was probably halted in 1656 when Mohammad Adil Shah died.
Second-largest dome and the Whispering Gallery
The height of the Gol Gumbaz is 210 feet and it commands attention for its stunning spires and a massive dome. The dome is the second-largest in the world, next only to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and its interiors remains unsupported. The sheer size and scale of the Gol Gumbaz make it an imposing structure, one that will awe anyone who are looking to visit it.
Gol Gumbaz has the iconic Whispering Gallery, a place whose incredible acoustic features reverberates sounds 10 to 11 times. In the Gol Gumbaz, one can hear even a minute sound 37 metres away, which makes it an engineering marvel of India. The complex of the Gol Gumbaz includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana which was a hall for the musicians and has been turned into a museum and the ruins of guest houses. It has a blend of unique Deccan Indo-Islamic architectural features, which is a testament to the rich craftmanship of those times.
Gol Gumbaz, a 17th-century mausoleum in Karnataka’s Vijayapura, is a significant yet lesser-known historical monument. Housing the remains of Sultan Mohammad Adil Shah, it boasts the world’s second-largest dome and the famed Whispering Gallery. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
