Charminar Hyderabad

An identifying feature of the city, Charminar is the most prominent landmark located right in the heart of Hyderabad. The monument was erected by Quli Qutub Shah to signify the founding of Hyderabad. As is evident from the structure, it was so named as it consists of four minarets. Although it lies right in the center of the city with traffic and crowds milling all about it, Charminar certainly manages to hold the gaze. It is also famous for the market that sprawls around it and is called 'Laad' or 'Chudi' Bazaar.

Since the construction of the monument in 1591, Charminar has been synonymous with the culture of Hyderabad standing tall as a reminder of the glorious days of the past era. It is a massive structure that has four minarets which many believe stand for the first four 'khalifas' (Prophets) of Islam. Towards the north of the monument, there are four gateways known as Char Kaman which have been constructed in the cardinal directions.

The structure was intended to serve as a Madrasa or a Mosque. In its present form, Charminar, along with Qutub Shahi Tombs and the Golconda Fort, has been added to the 'tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History of Charminar

The massive structure of Charminar was built in 1591 AD by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shahi. However, there are a lot of tales related to the reason for the construction of the monument. And there is no proof in favor of any of them so it can not be said which is true. Some people say that the reason behind it is a celebration of the end of a disastrous plague in the former city settled in Golconda Fort.

Whereas others say that it was constructed to mark the flourishing establishment of the Qutb Shahis. You will even hear some people telling you that the mosque was built in honor of the wife of the Sultan or it is the exact place where the Sultan saw his future wife for the first time. However, the foundation stone of the monument is inscribed with a prayer to the almighty to fill the city with people.

Architecture of Charminar

Charminar is a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic architecture, which is not only the crown of Hyderabad city but is also renowned in the entire country. You will find flavors of the Persian style of construction gelled up with Indian and Islamic styles of architecture. The entire monument is constructed using granite and lime-mortar transcending the on-lookers back to the long-gone times.

Legends also state that there is a secret tunnel underneath the masterpiece, which was meant for the escape of the royal family to the Golconda Fort in times of crisis. Moreover, you can also climb up the stairs constructed in the minarets to witness a splendid view of the hustle-bustle of the nearby areas. In the latter days, many restorations were done and four clocks were also added in the year 1889.

Also, the surrounding market called Laad Bazaar has flourished and expanded which was said to be existing since the Qutb Shahi times. Everything around has changed, but the beauty of the monument is still fresh as it ever was.