Upli Burj, Vijayapura (Bijapura)

First thing that comes to our mind when we hear burj is the famous Khalifa of Dubai. As you have guessed it is an 80 feet tall tower right in the middle of a busy road in Vijayapura (Bijapura) just 3 kilometers away from Gol Gumbaz.

Probably one in the afternoon was not the best time to see a place like this especially if you are in North Karnataka. Again, one cannot wait only for early morning or evening as that window was quite short. After parking the vehicle we clambered up the circular steps. Have you noticed when the staircase is spiral the climb is tedious. Here however the steps were broad and the distance between each stride is shorter. We counted the steps to be 70.

Standing tall at a height of 80 feet this watch tower was built by Hyder Khan, commander-in-chief of Ibrhim Adil Shah II in 1584. Hence it is also called Hyder burj. The edges of the circular structure was completely stone-fenced, so it is safe for children and acrophobics. Every brick of the tower had been placed into a perfect circle. It was used for military purposes in older times. An old man sitting at a corner said the visibility to a solider stationed here stretched for 50 kilometers. That was hard to believe exaggeration even for an old man, but we were not going to diffuse his irrational theory. Who knows he would have genuinely believed that narration.

There were two imposing cannons, one a little bigger than another. There was a stony platform of circular base and vertical top that separated the cannons. The pillar on the platform holds iron cords that were connected to the hooks of both cannons. We think these were new additions to give balance to these artilleries. One cannon was stationed on stony pulpits while the other on the floor. Both were heavy and massive. 

The tower offers 360-degree angle view of the Vijayapura (Bijapura) town. We spotted Gol Gumaz among others faintly. Though it was blazing sunny, wind was roaring with gust. The walls are strongest standing tall for hundreds of years. If the stones could whisper we get to hear tales of life of bygone era. 

Tips

Best Season: June to February

Best Time: Early morning/evening

Entry: Free

Visitor's Time: 8 am to 5 pm

Nearby Attractions: Ibrahim Rouza, Gol Gumbaz, Bara Kaman, Malik-E-Maidan

Attire and Accessories: Cotton clothes, comfortable shoes, umbrella/cap, sunshades, sunscreen, water bottles

Ibrahim Rouza, Vijayapura (Bijapura)

"Whether a Turk (Muslim) or a Brahmin with different language—emotion is the same."-Ibrahim Adil Shah II

This is the tomb that had inspired the distinguished Taj Mahal, Agra. Though we had written two articles about Saat Kabar and Bara Kaman, Ibrahim Rouza was the first monument we had visited in Vijayapura (Bijapura). We were there around 4 o'clock, the sun had lost its brightness as well as the heat of the day. What we saw when we entered the complex were two identical-looking tomb-like structures with a minaret in between. Through the tiny door of minaret we were elevated to a terrace. 

The building on our left (east) is the tomb. Ibrahim Adil Shah II, his queen Taj Sultana, his mother Haji Badi Sahiba, his daughter and two sons were buried in the central chamber. The arched veranda has array of pillars creating a double gallery around the main chamber. The outer walls and windows were heavily inscribed in Arabic/Persian calligraphy. The masonry of the roof was joggle-jointed, which meant that the ceiling appeared to float without any apparent support. There was a vibrant dolly-like object with 786 written on it. It is belief that this number illustrates the total numerological value of the Quranic expression "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim". We made a note of it to dwell deep at some other time.

Just opposite the tomb lies the mosque with a pond in between with a fountain on our right (west). The pond is dry so is the fountain. You tend to miss it completely if you walk through casually. Domes of both tomb and mosque were rising from a lotus petal base with crescent moon at top wherein four minarets arose from each corners. The mosque is simple with ornamental niche and prayer hall compared to the mausoleum.  

Commissioned by Ibrahim Adil Shah II and designed by Persian architect, Malik Sandal, the mausoleum complex is set in a walled garden. In order to maintain symmetry, both structures were balanced in style and volume. It is said to have built between 1580 to 1627.

Despite being a Muslim Adil Shah II was fondly called as Jagadguru Badshah. He was a great patronage of art. He was well-versed in playing musical instrument Tanpura. It is said he composed poems on his wife Chand Sultana, his Tanpura Motikhan, and his elephant Atish Khan. Have you noticed that it is always a ruler who is a great patron of art and architecture leaves behind such an exceptional legacy? Some say such engineering marvels were done for their selfish reasons to have the eternal glory. Are not we all selfish that way?

We saw people relaxing in the veranda and in the garden. We also settled in some corner where we could people watch and mull over the things we have seen. Just above us there were few parakeets on the roof. Few moments went in trying to capture them as they are were shy birds. In a place like this seconds or minutes, even hours are inconsequential. It is in an age-old place like this we find the most solace, the structure does not even have to be intact. 

Ibrhaim Rouza is an exceptionally perceived and brilliantly executed Islamic architecture. The complex is very well maintained by the ASI. The sun was about to set in sometime, so we decided to head to Saat Kabar, an eerie spot to say the least.

Tips:

Visitor's Time: 6 am. to 6 pm

Entry Fee: 5 INR

Four Wheeler Parking: 15 INR

Best Season: June-February

Best Time: Early morning or evening

Places to Club: Badami, Aihole, Pattadakallu