2025-04-22 Tue

The next stamp in the Archaeological and Historical Monuments Definitive series from 1949 features the amazing Gol Gumbaz, a stunning 17th-century mausoleum located in Vijayapura (formerly Bijapur), Karnataka. It is the final resting place of Sultan Mohammad Adil Shah and some of his family members.

Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the monument is well known for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative engineering. It has the second-largest dome in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The dome is not supported by any pillar but by a series of interlocking arches. The particular attraction of this building is the central chamber, where each sound is echoed seven times. Another fascinating section is the Whispering Gallery. It is designed in a way that even the faintest sound, like a pin dropping, can be heard clearly from a distance of 37 meters!

With a face value of 6 Annas, India Post has beautifully captured this gem of Adil Shahi architecture on its postage stamp.