Gulbarga is the largest district in Karnataka where the past blends with the present.This historically rich region of the Deccan has been a part of a number of kingdoms.Ruled by dynasties such as Chalukyas,theRashtrakudas,Adil Shahs and NizamShahis,Gulbarga was also the capital of the first Muslim dynasty in South India,theBahamanis.A treasure house of architectural delights,Gulbarga is justly famous for the grandeur of the many Indo-Saracenic monuments that dot the landscape,making it a destination that takes one back through the pages of history.
Jumma Masjid
Completed in 1367,this grand mosque inside the Fort is a delightful monument that is still well preserved. Resembling the mosque at Cardoba in Spain, the Jumma Masjid covers an area of over 38000 sq.feet. Five large domes and 250 arches add to the beauty of this mosque, which displays a strong Persian touch in its architecture.
Gulbarga Fort
Said to have originally been built by Raja Gulchand of Warangal, Gulbarga Fort was later strengthened by Ala-ud-din Bahaman. Thefort, occupying an area of 20 acres with a circumferenceof 3 kms, has a double fortification with a 30 feet moat between the walls,and reflects a blend of West Asian and European military architecture. The cannons used by the Bahaman is including one of 25 feet, are placed inside the fort. There are two main entrance gates to the fort, one in the east and other in the west, apart from several secret passages.
Chor Gumbaz
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 meter high hemispherical dome, and corner towers with arches on each side, though it does not have the proportions of the famed Gol Gumbaz.
Shah Bazar Mosque
Constructed during the reigm of Muhammed Shah I, this is an attractive mosque with beautiful columns, arches and domes. An arched entrance with tall minars on either side leads into an open courtyard, and a prayer hall at the rear.
Dargah of Khwaja Banda Nawaz
The Dargah of a Sufi saint who lived in Gulbarga from 1407 to 1422,Khwaja Banda Nawaz is revered by Muslims and people of other faiths. Hisdargah has verses from Quran painted in gold, as well as paintings in Turkish and Iranian styles. A library in the premises has over 10000 rare books on history, philosophy and religion. The annual Urus of the saint, draws devotees from around the country.
Sath Gumbaz
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 a part of a single tomb, distinguish these mausoleums. The mausoleum of Ta-ud-din Firuz has a two-storied façade, 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 the 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 painted peacocks, garudas, nagas, parrots, elephants etc.
Alwan-e Shahi
Constructed during the rule of the Nizams as a rest house for themselves, 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.
Holakunda
Resembling the tombs at SathGumbaz,the mausoleums at Holakunda are in memory of significant personalities of the Bahamani Kingdom.
Firozabad
A new capital built by Firz Shah Bahaman on the banks of the BhimaRiver,Firozabad evokes comparison with Fatehpur Sikri,nearAgra.The ruined monuments here include palaces,mosques,gateways and a fort.
Sannati
An important archeological site, Sannati has seen the discovery of pre-historic implements as well as Buddhist scultures and monuments from the Satavahana period (200-400 AD).A number of editcs in Prakrit have also been excavated.
Malkhed
Historically the capital of the Rashtrakutas, Malkhed is located on the banks of the Kagini, a tributary of the Bhima River. Once a city with beautiful palaces and gardens, it also has monuments from Bahamanitimes, besides a number of Jain Basadis.
Tomb of Muhammed Shah
Built in the style of the Pathans of North India,the tomb of Muhammed Bahamn Shah I is located on the way to Aland.Though not as decorative as the mausoleums of later Bahamani kings,it displays a simplicity and grace that is attractive.
Buddha Vihara
This is a modern day monument inaugurated by Hon.President of India in January 2009.It pays tribute to Buddha and draws inspiration from Sanchi and the Ajanta and Ellora caves.A400 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 75 feet high tower, delicately carved doors, amuseum, an open air theatre and a lrge bronze statue of Dr. Ambedkar are other highlights.
