Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur - largest domes of the pre-modern world

The Gol Gumbaz (Round Dome) is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah II of the Adil Shahi dynasty. History says that he had a desire to build a mausoleum equivalent to his father’s Ibrahim Rauza Tomb. It is one of the biggest single chamber structures in the world and covers an area of around 18300 square feet. The building was partly completed as the construction began towards the end of his reign. The construction was started in 1626 AD and it took around 30 years to complete. Built of dark grey basalt and plaster, the walls are 9 feet thick and 100 feet high.

The interior measures 135 feet on each side. The central arch is wider than the others. Above the main entrance, hanging from a chain of the ceiling, is a meteorite stone that is said to have fallen during Muhammad Adil's reign. It is left as it is to safeguard the tomb from lighting. In the center of the tomb chamber is a platform with the cenotaphs of Muhammad Adil’s family. The corner towers are divided into seven floors. A row of arched openings marks each level. Each tower is capped by a hemispheric dome with a ring of carved leaves around the base.

The dome rests on a unique pendentive system of intersecting arches that was not used anywhere in India. Another interesting feature of the mausoleum is the gallery around its base hanging out about 11 feet. It is accessed through the winding staircase. It is known as the whispering gallery because even the slightest sound from one corner can be heard even when standing across the dome from each other. Despite its incomplete condition, the sheer majesty of the structure is awestruck. A visit to this mausoleum brings us backwards to the majesty of Mughal architectural skills.