Haft Gumbaz Explained

The Haft Gumbaz, also spelt Haft Gumbad are a group of tombs of the Bahmani dynasty situated in Kalaburagi, in the Indian state of Karnataka.^{[1] [2]} Built during the 14th and 15th centuries, the tombs are examples of early Indo-Islamic architecture. There are seven tombs in total, with four being tombs of the rulers of the Bahmani dynasty. The tomb complex is a monument of national importance, maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.^{[3] [4]} The tomb complex is part of the "Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate", which is an ensemble of various structures added to the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.^[5]

History

The tomb complex was built between the 14th and 15th centuries.^[6] The capital shifted to Bidar in 1425, and the later Bahmani sultans are buried in the Bahmani tombs complex in Bidar.The tomb complex has been encroached by local businesses and institutions.^[7] A social activist, K.M. Mujeebuddin, has filed an RTI query regarding the upkeep of the tombs.^[8]

Architecture

The architectural style is reminiscent of Tughlaq architecture. 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.^[9]

There are seven tombs in total, with four being Sultan's tombs. The tombs are situated in a garden.

Tomb of Mujahid Shah

This was the first tomb to be built. It is a single-chambered square tomb, free of any elaborate embellishments.^[10] It is on the West end of the tomb complex.^[11]

Tomb of Daud Shah

It is a double-chambered tomb.^[12]

Tomb of Shams al-Din and Ghiyath al-Din

The two tombs share the same basement.^[13]

Tomb of Firuz Shah Bahmani

The tomb of Firuz Shah Bahmani is the largest, and is considered the most important of the complex. It is also a double-chambered tomb. The external and internal elevation is divided into two tiers, adorned by double-recessed arches. The arches of the upper tier have jali-style decorations.^[14]

Notes and References

1. Barnett. L. D.. 1929. Review of Report of the Archæological Department of His Exalted Highness the Nizam's Dominions. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. 3. 627–628. 25193957. 0035-869X.
2. News: Sivanandan. T. V.. 2013-12-18. ASI finally takes up restoration of Haft Gumbaz. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-07-09. 0971-751X.
3. Web site: Alphabetical List of Monuments – Karnataka – Dharwad. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200722141659/https://asi.nic.in/alphabetical-list-of-monuments-karnataka-dharwad/. 2020-07-22. 2021-07-09. Archeological Survey of India.
4. News: ASI spends ₹1.38 cr. on restoration of Haft Gumbaz. en. The Hindu. 2021-07-09.
5. Web site: Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate. 2021-07-09. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. en.
6. Book: Bowman, John C.. Columbia Chronologies of Asian History and Culture. 2000. Columbia University Press. 978-0-231-11004-4. 340. en.
7. News: Sivanandan. T. V.. 2013-09-24. A social activist's fight to protect the Haft Gumbaz. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-07-09. 0971-751X.
8. News: Staff Reporter. 2019-01-21. ASI uses just 7% of funds granted for restoration in Hyderabad Karnataka. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-07-09. 0971-751X.
9. Book: Brown, Percy. Percy Brown (art historian)

   . Indian Architecture (The Islamic Period). 2013-04-16. Read Books Ltd. 978-1-4474-9482-9. en. Percy Brown (art historian).

10. Web site: Iyer. Meera. 2019-07-27. Alluring Bahmani architecture. 2021-07-09. Deccan Herald. en.
11. Web site: Gulbarga. Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia.
12. Web site: Haft Gumbad. 2021-07-09. ArchNet.
13. Book: Merklinger, Elizabeth Schotten. Indian Islamic architecture: the Deccan 1347-1686.
14. Web site: Mausoleum of Firuz Shah Bahmani. 2021-07-09. ArchNet.