The Charminar is a historic monument in Hyderabad, the state capital of Telangana in central India’s south. Telangana’s and Andhra Pradesh’s respective capitals, Hyderabad and Secunderabad, are both named after it.
Built in 1591, it is said to have been built by Muhammad Quli Quab Shah, fifth king of the dynasty, as the first building in Hyderabad, his new capital. It’s become a city landmark and a symbol of the city’s history over time. Muammad Quli Qub Shah was moving his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad at the time of a devastating plague in the region, according to one legend. For his efforts in eradicating the plague, he built what became known as Charminar, a mosque with four distinctive minarets on each of the building’s four corners. Hyderabad was designed around it as its centrepiece.
Charminar, a grand architectural composition in Indo-Saracenic style, is now regarded as one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Qub Shhi period. Granite and lime mortar are used to build the structure, which features stucco decoration. The structure is 66 feet (20 metres) in diameter. It has a pointed arch that is 36 feet (11 metres) wide at the base and 66 feet (21 metres) high at its apex on each of its four sides. Each of the building’s four corners is topped with a multisided column that rises to a minaret with a dome-shaped roof 160 feet (49 metres) above the ground, resting on a lotus-leaf base. Minarets are accessible via a spiral staircase on the interior wall and feature a delicately colonnaded covered walkway around the exterior wall. Two stories can be seen from the arches of the main structure. As a madrasah (Islamic college) during the reign of the Prophet Muhammad, the first building houses a mosque. There are 45 other places of prayer in the Charminar besides the mosque. With its roof and minarets, the Charminar provides stunning views of Hyderabad, including the historic Golconda Fort to the west and the bustling Lad Bazaar, which is known for its traditional lacquer bangles studded with coloured glass and stones.
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History of Charminar
During his reign as Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, who relocated the capital from Golconda to Hyderabad, the Qutb Shahi family built the Charminar. According to historians, Quli Qutub Shahi was forced to relocate his capital due to a lack of water and the plague. The promise he made to his people was that he would build a monument if their suffering was over. Plague was eradicated from the city, and a monument was built to honour the decision and eradication of the disease. Because it has four minarets on each side, which may have been a reference to the four caliphs of Islam, it is known as Charminar. Charminar served as the focal point of the old city of Hyderabad.
It is said that Baghmati, the wife of Quli Qutub Shahi, was first glimpsed by him at this very spot. In order to express his undying devotion to his wife, he erected Charminar. The Charminar is also said to have a secret tunnel that connects it to the Golkonda Fort. It was built as a way for the royal family to flee in the event of a disaster.
Structure of Charminar
In the shape of the Shiya Tazias, Charminar is a perfectly symmetrical square, each side measuring 20 metres in length. Grand arches face a fundamental point and open into four separate streets. There is a 56-meter-high minaret with a double balcony on each of the four corners. There are petal-like designs at the base of each minaret’s top-dome. To get to the top floor, you’ll need to climb 149 steps. Marble and limestone are also used to build the structure, as well as granite. Towards the west end of the open roof is a mosque. Charminar’s balconies offer a bird’s-eye view of the city. Inside the mosque, the devout could pray in a peaceful manner.
Indian and Persian influences can be seen in Charminar’s structure, which demonstrates Indo-Islamic architecture. This monument displays Islamic architecture through its arches and domes and Persian influence through its minarets. Exterior walls and balcony ceilings decorated with delicate stucco floral ornamentation are influenced by Hindu architectural style. One of the most popular markets in the city is located in the Charminar neighbourhood.
Shopping at Charminar
Although Charminar has a lot to offer, it is best known for its mouthwatering cuisine and bargain shopping. In Hyderabad, the Charminar area is the best place to go shopping. At all times, the streets are full of people, and the shops are full of brightly coloured bangles and jewellery. Charminar’s ‘Chudi Bazaar’ is one of the busiest markets in the city (Market of Bangles). This is where you can find the most eye-catching jewellery, authentic ‘Hyderabadi Biryani,’ and a traditional Hyderabadi Kohl to make your eyes a little more beautiful. This is a great place to eat at roadside restaurants while stocking up on souvenirs.
The Charminar area’s oldest and most important market is located here. A variety of items made from semi-precious stones and silver are popular in this region, as well as sarees, kalamkari paintings, lacquer bangles, and the traditional Khara dupatta. There are a lot of people and a lot of haggling in this market. The delectable food items that are the pride of Hyderabadi cuisine are also well-known in the Charminar area. You can fill up on local delicacies like Biryani, Mirchi ka Salan, Haleem, and Double Ka Meetha while you shop the crowded streets. Don’t forget to try the world-famous Irani Chai while you’re there.
How To Reach Charminar
It is located at a distance of 5-kilometer from Hyderabad Bus Station Charminar. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) provides regular bus service throughout the city. From anywhere in the city, you can take an autorickshaw or a taxi to Charminar.
Tips For Visiting Charminar
After 5:00 p.m., you are not permitted to enter the building. The Laad Bazaar, on the other hand, is a great place to go shopping.
When Charminar is lit up between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m., it is a sight to behold.
No one is allowed to enter the second floor or the upper columns of Charminar.