Bijapur
Bijapur being a tribal territory has the largest number of tribes associated in
the country. Bijapur in fact has the oldest and the densest population of tribe
in the country, almost untouched for many years now. It is the rarest of
conserve culture of the primitive man.The tribal people have their own rules
and regulations with women wearing attire which is very different and colorful
and jewelry made of beads and metals. The tribes in Bijapur are known for
their unique culture and traditional living style. They live in their own world
with trust worthy and honest smiling faces. Each tribe has their own dialect
and differs from each other the way they dress, their language, life style,
celebration and ritual, etc. All of them worship God Bhairam dev etc. Folk
songs like Mariro, Sona, Dhankul, Chait Parab, Kotni and Jhaliana are very
famous.
Festivals amongst the tribe are celebrated almost all throughout the year with
Faith and joy. However, the tribes are becoming economically weak due to
deforestation as lot many of them are dependent on trees. With the extinction
of natural forest it is becoming very dif cult for them gradually.
A large number of tribe live amongst them and avoid mixing with local people
and always trust each other. They live in complete harmony and worship the
trees to protect the forest. Modern society has a lot to learn from them
especially the ways to conserve the environment.
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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.
Another attraction at the Gol Gumbaz is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute
sounds can be hear clearly 37 metres away. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a
mosque, a Naqqar Khana (a hall for the trumpeters) (now it is used as museum)
and the ruins of guest houses. Its vast dome is said to be the Second Largest
Dome, unsupported by pillars, in the world, after St. Peter’s in the Vatican City of
Rome.It is constructed in such a way that even a pin drop can be heard distinctly
from across a space of 38 m, in the Whispering Gallery. The acoustics here are
such that any sound made is said to be repeated 10 times over. In the surrounding
ornamental gardens is an archeological museum.
• Mathematical Signi cance: The massive dome, measuring 44 meters in diameter, is an
engineering feat that demonstrates an understanding of spherical geometry. The dome's
design ensures stability without internal support.
• Acoustic Design: The whispering gallery employs precise sound wave re ections,
amplifying even the softest whispers.
• Symmetry and Proportions: The building exhibits perfect radial symmetry, emphasizing
balance and harmony in design.
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Ibrahim Rauza
On the western outskirts of the city, lies this exquisite group of buildings
containing the twin edi ces of the sepulcher of Ibrahim Adil Shah and a
mosque. Adorned by slender minarets at each corner, of the utmost elegance
and delicacy, ne stone ligree and decorative work. The Ibrahim Rouza is
rated as on one of the most beautifully proportioned Islamic monuments in
India and an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. The mosque is also a beautiful
edi ce with ve grand arches, ornamented by carved medallions and hanging
stone chains. Built on a high stone terrace, the monuments are framed by a
lofty tower, ornamented with four graceful minarets, approached by a path
through formal gardens.
• Geometric Features: The tomb and mosque align symmetrically on either side of
the courtyard, demonstrating axial symmetry.
• Proportional Design: The dimensions of the domes and minarets are carefully scaled to
achieve aesthetic balance.
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Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is a mosque in Srirangapatna built by the ruler of Mysuru- Tipu Sultan during
the year 1784. Jama Masjid is also known as Masjid e-Ala.
Jama Masjid has two stories and impressive design. Two imposing minarets (towers) have
an internal staircase consisting of about 200 steps. Walls and ceiling are decorated with
intricate motifs and paintings.
Jama Masjid has a white dome, open courtyard and a prayer hall. 99 different names of
Allah are inscribed on the walls. A century old giant clock, still in perfect working condition,
stands testimony to the engineering marvel of ancient times.
• Spatial Optimization: The expansive prayer hall is designed to accommodate thousands,
with column placement optimized for unobstructed space.
• Calligraphy Patterns: Intricate Quranic inscriptions exhibit the use of geometric
tessellations and patterns.
Hampi – The Heritage Site
Of Architectural Wonder!
Hampi was a fortified city and the capital of the Vijayanagara empire in the
14th century. Hampi in 1500 CE had the glory of being the world’s second
largest city after Beijing. It was a flourishing city, drawing traders from Persia
and Portugal. It has been recorded in the chronicles by the Persian, European
travellers, particularly the Portuguese that Hampi on the banks of the
Tungabhadra river in those days spelt prosperity with many temples, farms
and trade markets.
The monuments of the Vijayanagara city were constructed between 1336-1570
AD from the times of Harihara-I to Sadasiva Raya. Krishnadevaraya also
contributed in the way of royal buildings from 1509 to 30 AD. The structures
boast of Dravidian architecture. However, in 1565, the muslim sultanates
conquered Hampi and brought its ruin. Though the place is pillaged and is in
ruins, the beautiful natural setting of Hampi, which comprises the River
Tungabhadra and the boulders are present to this day.
Virupaksha Temple,
Hampi – The Surviving
Glory!
The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is dedicated to lord Shiva. The distance from
Bangalore to Hampi is about 350 km. Hampi is a temple town in South India and is
acknowledged as one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. Virupaksha Temple
is dedicated to lord Shiva. This temple was constructed in Lakkana Dandesha’s
assistance who was a commander under King Deva Raya II.Virupaksha temple,
Hampi in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka is an evidence of Hampi’s historical
and architectural glory. It belongs to the Group of Monuments at Hampi, declared
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Geometric Layout: The towering gopuram follows precise proportional rules, ensuring
structural integrity and visual appeal.
• Mathematical Symmetry: The temple’s layout adheres to vastu shastra, an ancient Indian
system of architecture and mathematics.
Vittala Temple, Hampi –
An Architectural Wonder
The Vittala Temple or Vitthala Temple in Hampi is an ancient
monument that is well-known for its exceptional architecture and
unmatched craftsmanship. It is considered to be one of the largest and
the most famous structure in Hampi. The temple is located in the north
eastern part of Hampi, near the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
• Musical Pillars: Each pillar emits a speci c tone, showcasing an understanding of acoustics
and material resonance.
• Stone Chariot: The chariot’s wheels and base follow perfect circular geometry, symbolizing
cosmic cycles.
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Hazara Rama Temple,
Hampi: A story Carved in
Stone
Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi is an important shrine. This small but beautiful
temple is located at the centre of the royal area. The temple is dedicated to Lord
Rama, a Hindu deity. It was once the private temple of the kings and the royal
family of Vijayanagara. The temple is famous for the lovely bas relics and panels
depicting the story of the epic Ramayana.
• Frieze Calculations: The intricate carvings are laid out with exact spacing and alignment,
demonstrating precision in measurements.
• Proportional Scaling: The smaller scale of this temple exhibits adherence to modular
design principles.
Badami
Badami, a heritage town located in the northern district of Bagalkot in
Karnataka, is a hidden gem in the region. The murmur of owing water, the
cultural heritage sites, and the peaceful lakes create a serene atmosphere that
will transport you to another time.
Badami awaits you with its breathtaking rocky terrain, featuring rock-cut cave
temples and red sandstone cliffs. If you're interested in witnessing a piece of
human history, you'll enjoy exploring the archaeological structures of the
Dravidian era. These were built during the reign of the Chalukyas, who made
Badami their capital between the 4th and 8th centuries.
The markets of Badami were once known for their free trade of gold and
precious stones, making it a legendary business centre. Even today, this rich
past is bound to capture your imagination with the temples, archaeological sites,
carvings, and etchings that dot the town.
Whether visiting Badami’s temples of mixed architectural style, meandering
along the serene Agastya Lake or exploring its famous cave temples, you
cannot miss the presence of history around you. Come, take a trip to a place
where time has moved slowly, and see how the past has the power to envelop
you.
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Badami Caves
1 km, this group of 4 cave temples have been carved out of the hill opposite
Badami fort. The Chalukyan king, Mangalesa(598-610)AD)was responsible
for the completion of these cave temples. Of the four, three are Brahmanical,
while the fourth is Jain. Nearly 2000 steps have to be climbed to reach the
cave.
Cave I
This is Shaivite cave. The important carvings in this cave are an 18-armed
dancing Shiva, a two-handed Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini, Ardha
Nareeshwara & Shankarnarayana. The ceiling is adorned by a serpent motif
& other carved gures.
Cave II
This cave has Vaishnavite in uence with panels of Trivikrama & Bhuvaraha.
On the ceilings are carvings of Anantasayana, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva &other
Ashtadikpalas
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Cave III
Another ight of steps takes one to the third cave which is the largest & the
best of the lot. This cave has carvings pertaining to both Shaivite &
Vaishnavite themes. Panels of Trivikrama, Narasimha, Shankaranarayana,
Bhuvaraha, Anantasayana & Harihara are engraved in a vigorous style. An
inscription found here records the creation of the shrine by Mangalesha in
578 AD. There are some ne bracket gures on the pillars of this cave
Cave IV
Lying to the east of cave three, the fourth cave is Jain. There is an image of
Mahavira adorning the sanctum. Other carvings here are of Padmavathi &
other Thirthankaras. Asteep climb up some steps cut in a crevice between
Cave II & III leads to the southern part of Badami Fort & to an old gun placed
there by Tippu Sultan.
Badami Fort
2 Kms. Strategically situated on top of the hill, the fort encloses large
granaries, a treasury impressive temples on top of the northern end of the hill.
Malegitti Shivalaya, perhaps the oldest temple of the lot, is dedicated to the
benign aspect of Shiva as the garland maker. Placed on the summit of a
rocky hill, the temple is built of stone, nely joined without mortar, & with
Dravidian tower. The lower Shivalaya has a Dravidian tower of which only the
sanctum remains now.
There are some more temples in Badami town & several of them dotting the
banks of a well-built tank locally called the Agasthya Tirtha.
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Bhutanatha Group of
Temples
The Bhutanatha group of temples comprises of a bunch of sandstone temples,
all dedicated to Lord Shiva. This group of temples is situated at Badami,
nearby the well-known Badami cave temples.
The Bhutanatha group of temples includes two major temples, one on the east and the other on the
north-east side of the Agasthya Tirtha or Agasthya Lake. The Bhutanatha temple is situated on the
eastern side of the Agasthya Tirtha. It is one of the earliest examples of structural temples in South
India. This temple was built during the reign of the Chalukyas of Vatapi, as Badami was known
then. Later additions were built by the Kalyani Chalukyas of the west.
• Structural Alignment: Located beside Agastya Lake, the temple’s orientation considers the
natural slope and water re ections, achieving equilibrium in design.
• Architectural Symmetry: The layout integrates symmetry and proportion in its Dravidian-
Nagara fusion style.
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