Bara Kaman — Attraction in Karnataka

After crossing busy traffic island and passing thru narrow crowded road I reached Bara Kaman.

BaraKaman which means twelve arches in English, is an unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II, the 8 th and the second last kind of the Adil shahi dynasty. He ruled the Adil Shahi from 1656 to 1672 AD. He stared construction to build a beautiful and large mausoleum which the world has never seen and when completed will be far bigger than Gol Gumbaz which was Mausoleum of his father Mohammad Adil Shah .

No doubt there was great rivalry in the building of the royal tombs. The structure of this building was proposed to have twelve arches, which are built vertically as well as horizontally. These are Gothic arches are very different than other statures. High height of foundation and height of arches which exists gives us idea in case Bara Kaman was completed it would have been great stature in the world.

This site is managed by the Archeological Survey of India and is manned by one guard. As soon as I climbed staircase guard volunteered to help me.

Security guard told me fascinating story When Ali Adil Shah II started construction of Bara Kaman his father Mohammed Adil Shah got worried if completed this will be bigger than Gol Gumbaz . Popular myth say that shadows of the Bara Kaman may cover the Gol Gumbaz. Father Mohammed Adil Shah killed is son Ali Adil Shah II and Bara Kaman remained incomplete. After death Ali Adil Shah II was buried and his Tomb along with his wife Chand Bibi and mistress and his daughters can be still seen at Bara Kaman. I immediately though of all history of Turkish, Mughal and other Islamic rulers across world where son has killed father or vise versa and brothers killing brothers to become King. This was one more classic example of cruel Islamic rulers and story of guard was supporting perfectly.

When I came back and looked at dynasty of Adil Shahi I observed that Mohammed Adil Shah ruled from 1627 to 1657 AD, after his death his son Ali Adil Shah II was crowned at the age of 18, Ali Adil Shah II died in 1672. Story of guard was Fable and was not even worth Rs.50, which we paid him.

History tells you after death of Muhammad’s death and crowning of Ali Adil Shah II disorder begun in Adil Shahi , on one side smaller kings around Bangalore trying to recover their former land , Mughal emperor Shah Jahan deputed Aurangzeb from another side and Shivaji carving an Independent Maratha or Hindu state. During his reign of sixteen years, Ali struggled desperately against Mughas and Marathas. Every one of us know that how Afzal khan accepted challenge to capture Shivaji in darbar of Ali Adil Shah II in front of Begum Badi Sahiba and finally got killed in hands of Shivaji . This was big blow to Adilshai sultanate. Now we can understand why such ambitious project of Bara Kaman was not completed.

After death of Ali Adil Shah II within 14 years Adilshahi of Bijapur was absorbed in...

Bara Kaman is the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II in Bijapur, Karnataka in India.

Ali Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty wanted to build a mausoleum of unmatched architectural quality. It was planned that twelve arches would be placed vertically as well as horizontally surrounding the tomb of Ali Adil Shah. However, for unknown reasons the work on the structure was left incomplete: only two arches were raised vertically. Rumour has it that the construction of the mausoleum was stopped because once completed its shadow would touch the Gol Gombaz. Nowadays the remains of the twelve horizontally placed arches can still be seen.

The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Bara Kaman was built in 1672AD, by Ali Adil Shah II, and was supposed to be the burial mausoleum for the king and his wives. Bara Kaman has the tombs of Ali Adil Shah II, his wife Chand Bibi, his mistresses and his daughters.

The architect of Bara Kaman was Malik Sandal. The structure has raised walls in concentric arches. After the arches were erected, the inner arches were toppled, leaving only the outermost arch. No cement was used, instead iron rings were used to hold the stones together.

This is the tomb of Ali Adil Shah II (1656-72). Probably begun on his accession to the throne in 1656 and intended to rival Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of his father, Muhammad Adil Shah. The building was conceived on a magnificent scale but was destined never to be completed. The platform is 20 feet high. This great elevated basement, on which the arches of this unfinished structure stand, is 215 feet square, while that of the Gol Gumbaz is 158 feet square. In the centre, on a raised platform, are the tomb stones of Ali Adil Shah II and some of his family members, the graves being in the crypt below, which is entered by a door on the east side. The whole structure with the lofty basement would, if it had been completed, have been a most graceful monument in Vijayapura. The building is well maintained with a beautiful garden around the monument. It is called BARA KAMAN...

5 star for this Historical place , (must visit place for History Lover.)

3 star for Maintenance, Parking

Time : 7 am to 7: 30 pm

Free Entry

Parking : No parking area for 2 and 4 wheeler nearby. You need to park your vehicle away from this place

Bara Kaman, nestled in the heart of Bijapur, Karnataka, is a historical gem that beckons visitors to explore its intriguing past. Commissioned in 1672 AD by Adil Shah II, this unfinished mausoleum stands as a testament to a bygone era. The structure boasts 12 impressive arches, a poignant reminder of the grand plans that never came to fruition. Originally intended to enshroud the final resting place of King Ali and his wives, Bara Kaman's incomplete state adds an air of mystery and allure to its surroundings.

As you wander through the site, you'll be met with a sense of awe at the architectural marvel before you. Despite its unfinished state, the remnants of Bara Kaman exude a certain charm, drawing visitors into a world where history and tragedy intertwine. The mausoleum's location near Gandhi Chowk main market offers a convenient opportunity for some shopping excursions, adding a vibrant touch to your visit.

While the lack of entry fees may seem appealing, it's important to note that Bara Kaman is best suited for a brief, hour-long visit. The surrounding park campus provides a serene backdrop for picnics or leisurely strolls, ideal for soaking in the atmosphere of this historical site. Keep in mind that amenities such as restrooms and parking may be limited, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.

Bara Kaman's historical significance is not to be overlooked, despite its incomplete state. The story of its construction, marred by tragedy and unfinished ambitions, lends a poignant depth to the site's allure. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a photography buff seeking unique shots, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Bara Kaman promises a glimpse into Bijapur's rich heritage and...