Architectural monuments are the pride of a country. It is also the backbone of economy of many a countries. Architectural monuments connect us with the country’s history and they also determine the glory of a country. Apart from this architectural monuments offer great sites for photography and videography.
The “Black Taj Mahal” or “Gol Gumbaz” is one of the most popular architectural monuments of India and the world. Located at Bijapur, Karnataka this monument has the second largest dome and is famous among national-international tourists. Even if somebody whistles inside Gol Gumbaz it can be heard by anyone in the gallery. Any sound here is echoed eight to nine times here. There is also a fascinating museum inside Gol Gumbaz built during the British rule. Built in the 17th century it took almost thirty years to complete it. Mohammed Adil Shah this magnificent structure because he wanted his tomb to be superior than his father’s. The dome of Gol Gumbaz has a diameter of 124 feet. It is also called the whispering gallery. Gol Gumbaz holds the record of being the largest monument without any support of pillars in india and is probably one of the oldest unsupported monument of the world.
It’s quite untoward that despite being among the most beautiful monument in India and the world it attracts far less tourists than Taj Mahal, Charminar and Red Fort. The reason is it doesn’t get enough publicity. The Taj Mahal has got quite a publicity for years which causes tourists to make a chockfull of line outside it whereas cities like Bijapur don’t get enough publicity causing less tourist attraction spite of having numerous beautiful monuments. Gol Gumbaz doesn’t have esoteric decorations like the Taj Mahal but tourists will surely don’t regret travelling to a majestic monument twice the size of The Taj Mahal.
The amazing structure of Gol Gumbaz sheds light on the complex arithmetic construction with eight intersecting arches created by two rotated squares that create interlocking curved triangles of vaulting formed by the intersection of a dome with its supporting arches.
Mohammed Adil Shah wanted to build Gol Gumbaz as his tomb within his command. He oversaw the construction Gol Gumbaz, his own tomb. But the construction of Gol Gumbaz couldb;t be completed to full extent because of the sudden demise of the king, Mohammed Adil Shah. The Gol Gumbaz possesses the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah with his two wives, mistress Rambha, his daughter and his grandson.
Yaqut of Dabul designed this glorious monument. Gol Gumbaz built in dark grey Basalt stone. This is surely a unique monument with the style of the building being Deccan Indo-Islamic.
The Nakkar Khana is near Gol Gumbaz in the same complex and was supposed to be a part of it. It is believed to be built to hold the majestic reception of the king and offer the king’s visitors by beating drums.
Gol Gumbaz a complex of dharamshala, a well-maintained garden and mosques is altogether a great tourist attraction. With its striking beauty, Gol Gumbaz is considered one of the most travel-worthy architectural monuments of India.
By Anmol Kumar
