Jama Masjid, Gulbarga

Jama Masjid in Gulbarga is one of the enticing remnants of the Bahmani Dynasty. This beguiling architecture doesn't have any minarets but has a big dome. Jama Masjid is located inside Gulbarga Fort and has a touch of Spanish architecture as it was built by a Spanish Architect. The interiors of Jama Masjid Gulbarga resemble the Spanish Mosque in Hyderabad. Today it is one of the historical religious structures in Karnataka.

History of Jama Masjid, Gulbarga

The Bahmani dynasty was established by Ala al-Din Hasan Bahman Shah who was a servant at the court of Muhammad Bin Tughluq. Later in 1367, Jama Masjid was built by Muhammad Shah I to commemorate Gulbarga as the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate in the Deccan. The Sultanate survived till 1509 when it was defeated and destroyed by the Vijayanagara Empire.

Architecture of Jama Masjid, Gulbarga

Jama Masjid is considered an architectural marvel of the Deccan. A Persian architect from Kazwin known as Rafi is said to have built this holy place. One of the main features is that it is a rare mosque in India that does not have a courtyard. It does not have any minarets either. Instead, a huge central dome is built along with several other smaller domes. The entire structure is covered with a roof which makes it majestic to look at. There is an intricate system of archways inside and outside the mosque. The distinctive exterior makes it a major attraction in South East Asia.

The mosque has influenced Deccan architecture and similar features was observed in historical buildings of the later Deccan era. The Jama Masjid Gulbarga attracts a lot of tourists from around the world because of its archaic and unique architecture. The mosque is quite famous among the devotees and throughout the year people come to offer their prayers and pay respect.