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 Gol Gumbaz

Gol Gumbaz is the most famous monument in Vijayapura. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627–1657). It is the second largest dome ever built, next in size only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome. A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound is echoed seven times.

 Interesting And Amazing Facts About Gol Gumbaz

• It has the one of The Largest Domes:

                    which is its most striking feature has a diameter that stretches to a length of 44 metres (144.3 feet ). The dome stands unsupported without any pillars, purely on the basis of strong masonry.

• It Look-Alike Taj Mahal:

                    The Gol Gumbaz is often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of the South,” or. “The Black Taj Mahal.” The monument is constructed with Dark Grey Basalt and is built in the Deccan Indo-Islamic style of architecture.

• It is a Unique Engineering Marvel:

                    The dome that stands without support is an engineering marvel, and this is best echoed in the words of James Ferguson, in his book, “History of Indian And Eastern Architecture.” He says, “The most ingenious and novel part of the construction of this dome is the mode in which its lateral or outward thrust is counteracted. This was accomplished by forming the pendentives so that they not only cut off the angles but that their arches intersect one another and form a very considerable mass of masonry perfectly stable in itself.”

• It has the bolt of Lightening:

                    On the facade of the Gol Gumbaz, a piece of meteorite tied in a tripod-like ring hangs from a solid rust-resistant steel chain. Locals refer to it as, “Sidili,” which means thunderbolt in Kannada. Legend has it that during the construction of the Gol Gumbaz, a meteorite landed in a nearby village. Mohammed Adil Shah who was a great believer in astrology took it as a good omen, and went to the village and brought the piece of meteorite in a procession and had it tied at the entrance of the Gol Gumbaz as a lucky talisman.

• Magical Echoes of Gol Gumbaz:

                  The prime attraction of Gol Gumbaz has to be its whispering gallery. A circular gallery that stands right below the huge dome is known as the whispering gallery. The architecture and acoustics of the gallery are such that even a soft whisper at one end can be heard clearly resonating throughout the gallery. What is more, the echo of the whisper is heard not once or twice, but 7 to 10 times in succession.