Bijapur Things to Do

Malik-e-Maidan (The Monarch of the Plains) is the largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4 m long, 1,5 m in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and tens of men. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nose is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head with open jaws and between the carved jaws is depicted an elephant being crushed to death. It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remains cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell. In 1854 the cannon was auctioned for Rs. 150 but the sale was cancelled in the end.

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It was friday and only my boyfriend was allowed into the mosque.
Jama Masjid in Bijapur/Vijapura is the largest and oldest mosque in the Deccan. The main entrance is from the east side. The columns in the main building divide the floor into 45 equal squares. The most beautiful feature is the dome of this building which is highly proportionate.

The mihrab here is gorgeously painted.

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Ibrahim Rouza was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah II in 1629, originally as a mausoleum for his wife. But when he died before her, they are both buried here. The mausoleum looks like a mixture of a palace and a temple and has amazing detailed carvings.

We had a great time here, and met many nice people. And many kids asking for "one photo!?"