GOL GUMBAZ

 

 The form and structure of this majestic mausoleum, which is the largest in South Asia, are simple. It consists of a square tomb chamber supporting the great dome and seven-tiered minars of significant size in the four corners. Each tier of the minar has an arch-shaped opening. It is often not mentioned that this building has elaborate detailed decorations inside. I would like to stress on this point. They are not introduced here visually but they can be observed in a book written by H. Cousons.

 What should be further stressed about the remains is the elaborate technique used at the time. The great dome supporting the large tombchamber is a rare case anywhere in the world. As mentioned before, in the period of the Adil Shah Dynasty in Bijapur, construction of great mausoleums became the trend. I believe it should be emphasized that the level of the technique to construct the building has endured until today. Having seen this great building with my own eyes, I would especially like to stress this point. To the west of this great mausoleum, a mosque having a high dome and 5 arch-shaped entrances, accompanied by slender minars on either side, is situated. (Matsuo Ara)

 

 

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