ಕನ್ನಡ
Northern part of Karnataka, more commonly referred to as Uttara Kannada is a monumental trip that is sure to leave your thirst for heritage sites satiated. From cave temples to an entire empire in ruins, this belt of Deccan plateau harbours the rich and diverse history of multiple dynasties within these remnants. The North Karnataka trail replete with forts, mausoleums, mosques, temples and baths is also a coveted route for architecture buffs.
Bidar, situated in the heart of the Deccan Plateau,is home to magnificent monuments. Ruled in the past by the Kakatiyas, Tughlaqs, Bahamanis, Barid Shahis, Adil Shahis, Mughals and Nizams, the architecture is an interesting mix of Hindu, Turkish and Persian styles. Medieval Bidar was known not only as a capital city, but as a centre of culture and seat of learning.
Bidar Fort consists of two forts – one protecting the city and the other, a citadel fort protecting the royal palaces. The city fort is in the shape of a pentagon with five large entrances. Of these, the Gumbaz Darwaza rising to 45 feet with 22 ft thick walls, is awe-inspiring. Bastions, cannons and secret passages add to the charm of this medieval fort.
Like the Egyptian pharaohs, the Bahamani kings were fond of building magnificent tombs to house themselves after death. Twelve imposing mausoleums are located at Ashtur, east of Bidar. Of these, the tombs of Ahamad Shah and Alauddin Shah II stand out due to their grandeur.
An imposing three-storied building, the Madarasa was a renowned centre of learning with its own library, mosque and quarters for professors and students. The institution had scholars imparting knowledge of Arabic, Persian, theology, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, etc.
Located in the centre of the city, this is a 22 metre high cylindrical watch tower. Chaubara means “four directions” and one gets an excellent view of the plateau from the top.
Located about 80 kilometers from Bidar, Basava Kalyan is known as the Karmabhoomi of Basavanna, the revered 12th century religious reformer. It was also the capital of the Chalukyas of Kalyan. A fort, museum, and palaces connected with the Sharana movement are the major attractions here.
According to local legend, Lord Narasimha used this underground cave to meditate. Devotees have to wade through chest-deep water for a glimpse of the deity carved on the wall of the cave.
Kalaburagi is the largest district in Karnataka, and has been part of a number of kingdoms. Ruled by dynasties such as the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, Adil Shahis and Nizam Shahis, it was also the capital of the first Muslim dynasty in South India, the Bahamanis. A treasure-house of architectural delights, Kalaburagi is famous for the many Indo-Saracenic monuments that dot the landscape.
Completed in 1367, this grand mosque inside a fort is a delightful monument that is still well-preserved. Resembling the mosque at Cordoba in Spain, the Jumma Masjid covers an area of over 38,000 sq ft. Five large domes and 250 arches add to the beauty of this mosque, which displays a strong Persian touch in its architecture.
Said to have originally been built by Raja Gulchand of Warangal, Gulbarga Fort was later strengthened by Alaud-din Bahaman. The fort, occupying an area of 20 acres reflects a blend of West Asian and European military architecture. The cannons used by the Bahamanis are placed inside the fort. There are two main entrance gates to the fort, one in the east and other in the west, apart from several secret passages.
Built as the tomb of Saint Gisu Daraz, by a merchant, it is said that the saint refused to be buried here as the merchant was a money lender. Located on a lonely hill, the Chor Gumbaz is an attractive mausoleum with a 30 meter high hemispherical dome, and corner towers with arches on each side.
The dargah of a Sufi saint who lived in Gulbarga from 1407 to 1422, Khwaja Banda Nawaz is revered by Muslims and people of other faiths. The dargah has verses from the Koran painted in gold, as well as paintings in Turkish and Iranian styles. A library in the premises, has over 10,000 rare books on history, philosophy and religion. The annual Urus of the saint draws devotees from around the country.
A leading figure of the Veerashaiva movement, Sharana Basaveshwara was active in the Gulbarga region. A temple was built in due course, over his tomb, after his death in 1822. The temple took its present form in the early 20th century and displays beautiful pillars, arches and pilasters. The pillars are decorated with painted peacocks, garudas, nagas, parrots, elephants, etc.
An important archaeological site, Sannati has seen the discovery of prehistoric implements as well as Buddhist sculptures and monuments from the Satavahana period (200-400 AD). A number of edicts in Prakrit have also been excavated.
Inaugurated by the Hon. President of India in January 2009, Buddha Vihara is a modern-day monument that pays tribute to the Buddha and draws inspiration from Sanchi and the Ajanta and Ellora caves. A 400 kilogram gold-plated, panchaloha statue of a seated Buddha – the largest in South India- is placed in the prayer hall, and the ceiling depicts scenes from Buddha’s life. An ornate entrance sthoopa, a 75 ft high tower, delicately carved doors, a museum, an open-air theatre and a large bronze statue of Dr Ambedkar are other highlights.
Historically the capital of the Rashtrakutas, Malkhed is located on the banks of the Kagini, a tributary of the Bhima River. Once a city with beautiful palaces and gardens, it also has monuments from Bahamani times, besides a number of Jain Basadis.