Bijapur or Vijayapura is a district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Bijapur city is the capital of the district and its location is 530 km northwest of Bangalore. Culture of Bijapur is mainly Islamic but it has seen many more cultural influences since its ancient days.
The foundation of this city were laid during the rule of the Chalukayan Dynasty of Kalyani between 10th and 11th Centuries. The name of Bijapur means the city of victory. Bijapur was ruled by the Adil Shahi dynasty after Chalukayans for over 300 years. The rulers of this dynasty and the local Jain community practiced Jainism widely in Bijapur. Thus this place became a well-known seat of Jain learning, literature and art, culture. There are many Jain Temples in and around Bijapur of 11th Century.
The culture of Bijapur after that experienced the Muslim influence, first under Alauddin Khilji during the 13th Century and then under the Bahamani Kings of Bidar in 1347. Since this period up to 1686, Bijapur was continuously ruled by Muslim rulers. Since then it became a predominant seat of Islamic culture with excellent architectural and monumental masterpieces. Bijapur culture reflects the living pattern of the inhabitants.
Bijapur Festivals
Almost all the popular Indian festivals like Deepavalli, Dusshera, Makara Sankranti are celebrated in Bijapur along with a popular local festival of Bijapur Music Festival. The music festival is organized by the Karnataka Government every year featuring Indian folklores and classical music. Many other regional festivals are also celebrated with pomp and show in Bijapur. Bijapur Festivals preserve the rich tradition and culture of the land.Last Updated on 07 August 2012
