Kalaburagi (Kannada: ಗುಲಬರ್ಗಾ), previously known as Gulbarga, is a city in Northern Karnataka and the head quarters of the Kalaburagi District. Gulburga literally means "city of gardens" while Kaliburagi means "rocky land." It was once the capital of the Bahamani Sultanate and an important sufi centre.
Understand
[edit]Kalaburagi means the "land of stones and thorns" in Kannada (kal means "stone" and "bur" means thorn). Gulbarga means "city of flowers and gardens" in Persian and Urdu (gul means "flower" and bar means "leaf").
The history of Kalaburagi can be traced to the sixth century. It was ruled by the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Yadavas and Hoysalas till the early 14th century, when this city was annexed to the Delhi Sultanate, first by General Ulugh Khan and then by Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq. After the sultan's death, it fell to the Bahmani kingdom (of which it was the capital between 1347 and c. 1424) and, upon the break-up of that power, to Bijapur.
Today, Kalaburagi is an interesting mix of medieval fort and tombs along with Hindu temples and Sufi darghas. It also houses a modern Buddhist temple and interpretation centre.
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]- 1 Kalaburagi Junction railway station.
By road
[edit]- 2 KSRTC Bus Stop. It has got very good bus service connection to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. NH 150 and NH150a pass through this city.
By plane
[edit]Get around
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Kalaburagi is a small town and the tourist spots can be covered by a combination of walking and auto rickshaw rides. Auto rickshaws are freely available, but they don't run on a meter or have an official rate chart. It is best to negotiate a price before the trip. Please do bargain.
See
[edit]- 1 Gulbarga Fort (Bahmani Fort) (By auto, taxi from railway station and central bus stand). The fort dates back to the time of the Kakatiya dynasty. Later, the fort was turned into a mighty citadel under the Bahamani Sultanate. Today it is mostly in ruins but contains several structures from the Bahamani period. Contains several structures inside
- 2 Gate of Gulbarga Fort. Entry to the Gulbaraga Fort is through the north-west. The arched gateway is flanked by bastions and topped with battlements.
- 3 Bala Hisar. Bala Hissr is a dojon (heavily fortified central tower of a fort) located inside the Gulbaraga Fort. It was added by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah, the founder of the Bahmani dynasty. Three large cannons rest atop the tower.
- 4 Jama Masjid. The mosque was built in 1367 by Bahmani Sultan Mohammed Shah I to commemorate the establishment of the capital in Gulbarga following the defeat Kapaya Nayaka of Warangal.
- 5 Choti Masjid. This small three domed mosque is located north of the Jami Masjid
- 2 Gate of Gulbarga Fort. Entry to the Gulbaraga Fort is through the north-west. The arched gateway is flanked by bastions and topped with battlements.
- 6 Haft Gumbaz. A group of tombs of the Bahmani dynasty built during the 14th and 15th centuries. The tombs are examples of early Indo-Islamic architecture. The complex houses a total of 7 tombs out of which 4 belong to the rulers of the Bahamani sultanate. A unique feature seen only in the Haft Gumbaz is the double-chambered tomb, with one chamber for the king and the other for his family members.
- 7 Dargah of Banda Nawaz. Banda Nawaz was a Sufi saint of Chishti Order. He was invited by the Bahamini Sultan Firoz Shah to settle in Gulbaraga (Kalaburagi) in 1399/1400. He later had a conflict with the Sultan but continued staying and preaching in Gulbarga. He died in 1422 and was laid to rest in the dargah. His death anniversary (ur) is celebrated on 15, 16 and 17 Dhu al-Qadah (11th month of the Islamic calendar).
- 8 Chor Gumad (Shor Gumbad). This single-domed structure stands on the north-western corner of the citadel next to the fort walls. The structure probably doubled up as a watch tower. Nothing much is known about the history of the tomb or its occupants. According to legend, once a thief used to store his loot in the tomb and hence the name. The other name, Shor Gumbad, literally translates into noisy dome. The interiors of the tomb have unique acoustic properties, allowing the sound to echo through the interiors of the tomb.
- 9 Sharana Basaveshwara Temple. The temple houses the Samadhi of Sharana Basaveshwara, a 12th century Indian philosopher, poet, Lingayat social reformer of bhakti movement. The temple has a towering spire and consists of a series of pillars and arches. The temple is known for its intricate carvings of Hindu gods, goddesses, demigods, damsels, animals and events from local lore. The temple is also known for its chariot festival, which happens in March.
- 10 Buddha Vihar. A Buddhist temple and spiritual centre. Opened in 2007, it is a new addition to the medieval city. The architecture blends with the architecture of famous Buddhist pilgrimage like Sanchi, Sarnath, Ajanta, etc. It is an oasis of peace.
Do
[edit]Movies
[edit]- Shetty Multiplex.
- Sangam Theaters
- Triveni Theaters
Buy
[edit]Gulbarga's newly opened malls typically have high(er) end stores retailing apparel, footwear, and consumer electronics.
- Asian Mall (Behind K.B.N. Hospital)
- Kandoor Mall (Sardar Vallabhai Patel Chowk)
- Karnataka Housing Board Shopping Complex (Pragati Colony, Ring Road)
- Shardha Mall
- Old supermarket near mahbas masjid.
- Sarafa Bazar (Gold market)
- Old Vegetable market
- Gunj Area
Eat
[edit]Tahari (Rice stuffed with meat and spices), Sorghum Bread, Various Lentiles, especially Toor Dall (piegeon pea) Wheat flour bread, Bajra Bread, Over all food in gulbarga is rich in spices.
Sleep
[edit]Connect
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