Vijayapura, India

Vijayapura, formerly Bijapur, is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the headquarters of the Vijayapura District. Vijayapura is located 530 km northwest of Bangalore and about 500 km from Mumbai. It is known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The city is well known for the Gol Gumbaz which is the largest dome ever built in India next only to the dome of the Taj Mahal and also Ibrahim Rauza, which is a perfect example of Indo-Islamic architecture which predates the Taj Mahal.

History:

Vijayapura has a rich history dating back to the Chalukyas of Kalyani (10th-12th centuries), who are considered the founders of the city. The city was later ruled by the Yadavas and the Khiljis before becoming the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty in the late 15th century. The Adil Shahis, who ruled for nearly two centuries, were great patrons of art, architecture, and literature. They built numerous monuments, mosques, tombs, and palaces, many of which still stand today. Vijayapura's most iconic monument is the Gol Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah. The city was conquered by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the late 17th century and later became part of the Maratha empire and the British Raj.

How to reach:

Vijayapura is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is in Hubli (HBX), approximately 164 km away. Regular bus services and trains connect Vijayapura to major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states.