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---› Monuments
in India ---› Charminar, Hyderabad
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Charminar, Hyderabad
The
Charminar in Hyderabad, at the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is a massive
arch built by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah, in 1591 to commemorate the end of the
plague in the city. The symbol of the city, the Charminar, is an impressive
square monument with four minarets. The arch is illuminated daily in the evening,
an unforgettable sight indeed.
The city of Hyderabad, with its delightful blend of the ancient and the modern,
presents to the onlooker an interesting skyline with modern buildings standing
shoulder to shoulder with fascinating 400 year old edifices.
It boasts of some fine examples of Qutab Shahi architecture - the Jami Masjid,
the Mecca Masjid, Toli Masjid, and of course, the impressive symbol of Hyderabad,
the Charminar.
A magnificent edifice, it epitomises Hyderabad and marks its 400 years of history.
Built by ruler Quli Qutb Shah it stands 180ft. tall, the four minarets soar
to height of 48.7Mts. each above the ground. Within are 45 prayers spaces and
a mosque. It is being pedestrianised for better access as well as safety of
the monument. Must See!
A proud sentinel in the heart of the Old City, this magnificent monument built
by Quli Qutub Shah, is the unique symbol of Hyderabad. It was built in 1591
by Quli Qutb Shah. to commemorate the end of the plague that had ravaged Hyderabad,
The four graceful minarets from which 'Charminar' derives its name, literally
meaning 'Four Minars' soar to a height of 48.7 Mts. each, above the ground.
Charminar, a splendid piece of architecture standing in the heart of the hyderabad
city built by Quli Qutub Shah, in 1591. This magnificent monument is the unique
symbol of Hyderabad. Charminar is often called as "The Arc de triomphe
of the East". It is considered as the legendary masterpiece of Qutub Shahi's.
Charminar derives its name from four intricately carved minarets, The four graceful
minarets literally meaning 'Four Minars', soar to a height of 48.7m each, above
the ground. It is located amidst the colourful shops of Lad Bazaar with its
glittering traditional bangles in the old city. Enormous in its size, this imposing
monument of India exudes a charm that is more than 400 years old
The history of Hyderabad begins with the establishment of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
Owing to the inadequacy of water and frequent epidemics of plague and cholera
Quli Qutub Shah established the new city with the Charminar at its centre with
four great roads fanning out in four cardinal directions.
The
plan is a square, each side 20m long, while the four arches are 11m wide and
rise 20m from the plinth. The four-storeyed minarets rise 20m from the roof
of the massive monument and measure 24m from the plinth. The western section
of the roof contains a mosque, ranking among the finest the gifted Qutub Shahi
artisans ever built.
There are 45 prayer spaces with a large open space in front to accommodate more
for Friday prayers. To the east of this space is a lovely verandah with a large
open arch in the centre, flanked by smaller ones on both sides.
The Charminar was built with granite and lime-mortar. It is a blend of 'Cazia'
and Islamic style of architecture. The intertwined arches and domes are examples
of typical Islamic style of the architecture. The graceful floral motif atop
the Charminar is enchanting. The Charminar depicts the Indo-Saracenic tradition
- a symbiosis of the Hindu and the Muslim traditions, which has woven the magic
of a rich Deccan culture. The Charminar looks spectacular particularly in the
nights when it is illuminated.
It offers an excellent panoramic view of the city and Golconda Fort, which makes
the mind go back into time and recapitulates the past glory of Hyderabad during
the Qutub Shahi times. Charminar has become an inseparable part of the history
of Hyderabad.
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