Charminar

CHARMINAR

The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. It is said to be built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in it. Visitors can view the architectural splendour inside the Charminar. The monument is illuminated in the evenings and a pedestrianisation project around the monument is under implementation.  

In the heart of city a splendid piece of architecture is existed. It was built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. This magnificent monument is the unique symbol of Hyderabad. Charminar is often called as "The Arc de triumph of the East.” It is considered as the legendary masterpiece of Qutub Shah’s. This beautiful structure 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 colorful shops of Lad Bazaar with its glittering traditional bangles in the old city. 

The view of makka masjid (its existed besides charminar) is seems to be very wonderful. Enormous in its size, this imposing monument exudes a charm that is more than 400 years old.  

The Qutub Shahi Reign: 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-storied 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.