The Jumma Masjid Bijapur, officially known as the Jama Masjid of Bijapur, is one of the most significant monuments in the district and also the largest. Its establishment was ordered in the 16th century by Ali Adil Shah I of the Adil Shahi dynasty but it was never finished. This is a congregational mosque that is big enough to accommodate 4,000 worshippers at a time. Jumma Masjid has also been put on the “tentative list” of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
About Jumma Masjid
Image Credit: Mukul Banerjee for Wikimedia Commons
Bijapur is home to a number of beautiful Indo-Islamic structures and the Jumma Masjid, constructed in the 16th century, is one of them. It is a congregational mosque that was built under the orders of Ali Adil Shah who was one of the Sultans of the Bijapur Sultanate. The primary reason behind its establishment was to celebrate the Sultan’s victory during the Battle of Talikota and the funds for the mosque came the battle’s loot. Jumma Masjid, also known as Jama Masjid, was nearly completed before its construction was abandoned. However, it became the main mosque in Bijapur after having replaced an older one that had been under the reign of Ibrahim Adil Shah I. Jumma Masjid has been put on the “tentative list” of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Must Read: Gol Gumbaz
Places To Visit Nearby The Masjid
The mosque can fit about 4,000 worshippers at a time and its architecture has come to be regarded as one of the most impressive ones in the region. Which makes it a must visit spot in Karnataka. The following is a list of places you can visit in Bijapur besides the Jumma Masjid:
1. Bijapur Fort
Image Credit: SWE-Yaatrik for Wikimedia Commons
A well-known attraction in Bijapur city, the Bijapur Fort is an impressive structure that dates all the way back to the 16th century, when the Bijapur Sultanate was ruling over the region. It is often called the “Agra of South India” since its complex features a number of splendid edifices and gardens. Some of its most notable monuments include the fort and citadel, Mehtar Mahal, Malik-e-Maidan, Sat Manzili and Bara Kamam, among others.
Location: Godbole Mala, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Distance from Jumma Masjid Bijapur: 1.9 km
2. Bara Kamam
Image Credit: Omkar N Kashyap for Wikimedia Commons
The Bara Kamam is an unfinished mausoleum near the Jama Masjid which was built in 1672 AD by Ali Adil Shah II for himself. He set out to construct a mausoleum that would be known for its breathtaking architecture and for this, he wished for the structure to have 12 arches placed horizontally and vertically around his tomb. However, the construction was never finished and it is believed that it was abandoned in order to ensure that its shadow did not touch the Gol Gumbaz. You can see the unfinished arches here. The Bara Kamam houses the tombs of Ali Adil Shah II, his wife, his mistress and his daughters.
Location: Bara Kaman, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Distance from Jumma Masjid Bijapur: 1.9 km
Suggested Read: Temples In Karnataka
3. Ibrahim Rauza
Image Credit: Mukul Banerjee for Wikimedia Commons
It is a funerary complex on a plinth which includes a mosque as well as a mausoleum which are separated by a fountain. It was built in the early 17th century by the second wife of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, Taj Sultana, in an attempt to take the place of his primary wife. The two edifices here have similar architecture. Moreover, Ibrahim Rauza has also been called the “Black Taj Mahal of South India.”
Location: Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Distance from Jumma Masjid Bijapur: 3.3 km
4. Gol Gumbaz
Image Credit: Benjamin AZOULAY for Wikipedia
The Gol Gumbaz is a striking monument in Bijapur that was built in the year 1656 to serve as the crypt of Mohammed Adil Shah, a Sultan of the Bijapur Sultanate. It derives its name from its circular dome and is an example of stunning Deccan architecture. There is a whispering gallery on the inside of the dome and it owes this name to the fact that even a slight sound can be heard from the other side of it. Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is home to not only the Sultan’s tomb but also that of his wives and daughters.
Location: Jadar Galli, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586104, India
Distance from Jumma Masjid Bijapur: 1 km
Suggested Read: Festivals In Karnataka
5. Malik-E-Maidan
Image Credit: Ashwin Kumar for Wikimedia Commons
Situated within the historical Bijapur Fort complex, Malik-E-Maidan or Malik-I-Maidan is a space featuring cannon that can be traced back to the 16th century. It is of immense historical significance since it is the largest piece of artillery that belonged to the Mediaeval times. It was made by a Persian engineer and was eventually presented to Sultan Ali Adil Shah I of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Furthermore, this cannon was used during the Battle of Talikota which was won by the Bijapur Sultanate; it was named after this victory.
Location: Shivaji Rd, Upali Burj Area, Vijayapura, Karnataka 586101, India
Distance from Jumma Masjid Bijapur: 2.8 km
When To Visit Bijapur
Image Credit: Rahiaql for Wikimedia Commons
If you are thinking of spending a few days in Bijapur, it would be ideal to plan your trip for the winter season. The months from October to March are seen as the ideal time to visit since the weather during this time is quite pleasant, almost cool. The maximum temperature during this period is about 32 degrees celsius so you would have a nice time sightseeing. The monsoon season, from July to September, is also a nice time to visit Bijapur. Although the temperatures during this period can rise a little to about 34 degrees celsius and the air is slightly more humid, it is still a pleasant experience to be outdoors.
Further Read: Top Hill Stations In Karnataka
It is truly a wonderful experience to visit Jumma Masjid Bijapur and to witness the architectural grandeur of the monument, as well as that of other structures that were built under the Bijapur Sultanate. The town’s marvellous Indo-Islamic architecture is what attracts large crowds of visitors and you are sure to have a memorable time here. Make sure to book your trip to Karnataka as soon as possible so you and your loved ones can learn about Bijapur’s rich history.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image credit : By Venkygrams for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jumma Masjid Bijapur
What is Bijapur in Karnataka most known for?
Bijapur is perhaps best known for its gorgeous Indo-Islamic architecture which can be seen on the majority of its historical monuments. Given that the region was under the Adil Shahi dynasty for about 200 years, a number of structures were erected during this time that feature architecture which is a mix of the Hindu and Islamic styles.
What is Bijapur officially known as?
The official name of Vijayapura, a name that dates back to the Kalyani Chalukyas.
Why is Bijapur often called the “Punjab of Karnataka”?
As is the case with Punjab, there are five rivers that flow through the town of Bijapur and this is why it has come to be known as the “Punjab of Karnataka”. These five rivers are the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Doni, Krishan and Malaprabha rivers.
Are 5 days enough to spend in Bijapur?
5 days is more than enough time to spend in Bijapur since the town is quite small as compared to some of the other cities in the state. In fact, you wouldn’t need more than 2 to 3 days to explore Bijapur.
What is the distance between Bijapur and Belgaum?
Belgaum is located about 214 km away. If you take the road, it would take you somewhere around 4 hours and 15 minutes to get from Bijapur to Belgaum.
People Also Read:
Toli Masjid Thazhathangady Juma Masjid Mecca Masjid Hyderabad
We all have to begin somewhere. This is where I start and I hope that my writings encourage you to begin. To new beginnings and conquering new places!
