Gulbarga

GULBARGA

In the middle of the 14th century, this town was made the capital of the Bahamani Dynasty that became independent from Delhi. In the old fort, only Jama Masjid remains, other parts have collapsed and became wasteland. In the current town centre, Shah Bazar Masjid, which was built around the same time as Jama Masjid, is situated. Mausoleums of the royal family of Bahamani are located in two areas. Up until the 8th king of the Bahamani all are entombed at Se Gumbaz in the western outskirts and Haft Gumbaz in the northeastern outskirts. In 1428, the capital of the Bahamani was moved to Bidar. However, Gulbarga kept its prosperity because of the dargah of Bandeh Nawaz who was the saint of Chishti order. There remain a few mausoleums from the Bahamani period.

This mosque remains inside of the old fort area. It is an important building of the early Bahmani period built by Muhammad Shah. It has a large dome on the west side and middle-sized domes at the four corners of the mosque. Instead of having a courtyard, it has many small domes in lines in the central area. Having these features, it can be regarded as one of the most interesting mosques in its form and structure in South Asia. The main entrance is provided at the north side and has a higher arch-shaped gate than the other sides. In the west prayer room, pillars are painted in white with no decoration. In addition, wide spans of these pillars supporting large arches create a majestic atmosphere.

HAFT GUMBAZ

This is a mausoleum of the Baihmani royal family situated on the eastern outskirts of Gulbarga and it extends from east to west. From the west, Mujahid Shah (3rd Baihmanid Sultan/1375-78), and Daud Shah (4th B.S./1378). To the northeast of these are Ghiyath al-Din Shah (6th B.S./1397), and Shams al-Din Shah (7th B.S./1397). To the southeast of these is Firuz Shah (8th B.S./1397-1422), and to the south and northeast there are some anonymous tombs. (Matsuo Ara)

This rectangular building has a total of 6 openings, two on the north and south sides and one in the east and west sides. The walls are divided into two tiers in all directions. All arch-shaped niches in the upper part form openwork windows. The lower part of the walls, having a double-arch-shaped entrance surrounded by windows of Jali screen, also has double-arch-shaped niches like the upper part. The south entrance, seeming to be the front, has a prominent structure and decorations. The arch-shaped entrances and the upper part of the niches are decorated with a circular pattern, giving dignity to this building. The mihrab in the west side, lines of arch-shaped niches and squinches inside of the tomb chamber show a more complex form and display more excellence than other mausoleums in this region. It is assumed to have been built in 1422. (Matsuo Ara)