The Architectural Beauty and Majestic of Ibrahim Rauza, Bijapur

The architectural styles developed by the Sultans of the Deccan plateau that are appreciated in Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga, and Hyderabad, are motivated from Persian and Turkish structures.

Ibrahim Adil Shah II ruled the kingdom of Bijapur from 1580 to 1627. He is reputed to be one of the most compassionate and multicultural rulers in history and was a generous patron of the arts.

The sultan of Bijapur was a descendant of the Ottoman dynasty of Istanbul, Turkey. The sultan of Golconda was a Turkman prince who had taken refuge in India. The sultans were adherents of the Shia sect of Islam and were close allies of the Safavid rulers of Iran. A distinctive culture thus developed in the pluralistic community of the Deccan plateau. In India, the Deccan plateau became the prominent center of Arabic literature and scholarship.

Ibrahim Rauza is another valuable and most stylish architectural example of the Adil Shahi style of architecture. Ibrahim Adil Shah II, one of the sultans of this dynasty, developed and organized his own final resting place.

Arched Verandah of row of pillars around the central chamber of of Ibrahim Rauza, BijapurIbrahim Rauza consists of two core constructions: a tomb and a mosque with several smaller structures. All these buildings are built within a square enclosure with an attractive garden in the front. Both the structures are built on a platform that is 360 feet long and 160 feet wide, around a walled enclosure.

At the eastern end is the tomb and at the western end is the mosque. In between is an open yard in which are found an decorative tank and a fountain. Though the size and purpose of these two structures are different, the architect has productively attempted to produce an equilibrium between them in volume and style. Nevertheless, the tomb seems to be a grander structure than the mosque. The tomb consists of a principal chamber within an arched verandah and both are scaled by a dome. Tall minar-shaped turrets are built at four corners of the building. However, the most beautiful and crowning part is the bulbous dome at the upper story.

The interior has an arched verandah of row of pillars around the central chamber. They are all abundantly adorned with intricate patterns. The chamber room is a small square of 18 feet each side; but it is elegant because of the introduction of a charmingly carved ceiling at the correct height. Thus, the Ibrahim Rauza has a well-executed plan of a building in its entirety, harmonizing architecture with ornamentation.

Ibrahim Rauza of Bijapur: stylish architectural example of the Adil Shahi style of architectureThe mosque forming the other part of the Ibrahim Rauza relates harmoniously in the mass of its proportion and architectural treatment as well as width of frontage. Though it seems slightly smaller, the comparisons overlook in terms of minars at four directions and a slightly smaller elongated dome. This congruence is the real uniqueness of the Ibrahim Rauza. Between the two and in the center is a beautiful entrance with two minars at each corners. Thus, the whole composition is highly appealing.

The Ibrahim Rauza tomb was built by Adil Shah II and it took around 47 years to construct it. The building which was started in 1580 and completed in 1627 constitutes of the tomb at the eastern end and a mosque at the western end both of which rise opposite each other. The two structures have a fountain and a very decorative tank between them. There is a prayer chamber in the mosque that has five arches. These buildings are enclosed within a square and have a captivating garden in front. The buildings stand on a podium which has a length of 360 feet and a width of 160 feet.

Ibrahim Adil Shah II was a magnanimous ruler and a patron of culture and arts. He was from the Ottoman dynasty that had its origin in Turkey. The Ibrahim Rauza is a masterpiece of distinct culture that was created for Ibrahim’s resting place. The resplendent tomb has a main chamber with a verandah, four minarets (one at each corner), and an orbiculate dame at the top of the structure. The tomb is efficiently planned and beautifully decorated with intricate details.

Though the mosque is more compact and smaller than the tomb, however; it stands out due to the harmonious architecture and splendour. The entrance of the mosque is adorned with elaborated ornamentation with two minars at each of the corners. It is said that if Ibrahim Rauza would be made up of marble, its charm would be close to Taj Mahal if not surpass it. The architecture of these buildings has evolved from the rulers of the Deccan Plateau and is similar to that of the Turkish and Persian designs. The monument has a lot of historical significance and is a vision in itself. The entire composition is extremely appealing and it is a combination of beauty and grandeur.

Timings

Ibrahim Rauza Tomb open at Sunrise to Sunset

Entry Fees

15 INR for Indian and SAARC Nationals, 200 INR for Others, Child up to 15 year is free

How to Reach :

The nearest airport is in the town of Belgaum which is 205 KM from Bijapur.

Well connected by road with Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad, overnight journey in bus or car takes you to this monument. There are 10 and 7 numbers of weekly trains to Bijapur from Bengaluru and Pune respectively. Once inside the town, tourists can avail taxis or autos or may be horse-drawn carriages (tangas) if they are feeling adventurous.