Char Minar

History
Hyderabad city, located in what is popularly known as Deccan Plateau has been ruled by many dynasties of Indian Central, in the past. The entire Deccan region was subjected to rise and fall of many great dynasties and rulers in medieval India. Hyderabad as we know it today emerged after the fall of Bahmani Kingdom in Deccan. It was time for Qutb Shahi's to rule with the break up of the dynasty in the year 1512 A.D. Quli Qutb Shahi who succeeded the same year established the famous Golconda Fort that marked the birth of Hyderabad city.

Qutb Shahi's ruled Deccan for continuos 171 years. It was during this period trade and commerce flourished in the region. The extraction and production of diamonds, pearls, steel and fabric earned a great reputation for the place. The material development was further complemented with the growth of the city as a learning center. Indo-Persian and Islamic literature was given a fillip. Wealth started accumulating and the citizens enjoyed great many facilities. This golden age, however, came to an abrupt end with the conquest of the place at the hands of Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. The year was 1687 and after a siege that lasted about eight months Aurangzeb was victorious in capturing Golconda Fort. The last king of the defeated kingdom, Abul Hassan Tana Shah died in captivity twelve years later.

Hyderabad continued to be occupied by Mughals until the death of Aurangzeb. In 1707, Aurangzeb succumbed and the stronghold over Hyderabad weakened. The region at that point of time was administered by viceroys appointed by the Mughal. The year 1724 opened a new chapter in the history of Hyderabad. Mir Quamaruddin who bore the title of Nizam, declared independence and the city split from Mughal kingdom. This led to the establishment of Asif Jahi period. The seven Nizam's who followed ruled for a good 224 years.

During Asif Jahi period literature recieved a special attention. Persian, Urdu, Telegu and Marathi developed in the region. Trade and commerce slowly caught pace and the region once again came to limelight. The city continued to be ruled by the dynasty till 1948 when India got its independence. Asaf Jahi rulers had good relations with the East India Company and after signing the accord in 1798, the city ensured its individuality and independence.
jkCharminarBest Time to Visit : October to March
Popular as : The Arc de Triomphe of the East"
Other Attractions : Mecca Masjid, Chow Mohalla Palace, Shahali Banda, Laad Bazar, Kali Kaman and Patthar Gatti.
Built By : Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah
Built In : 1591

Hyderabad's most popular landmark Charminar is located at the center of the old city and surround by lively bazaars. It was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 in honour of his wife Bhagmati, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golconda to what now is known as Hyderabad. It is popular as the Arc de Triomphe of the East and considered as the legendary masterpiece of Qutub Shahi's.

Charming structure define as its name from four intricately carved minarets, the four graceful minarets which means 'Four Minars'. Charminar is in square shape with four towers in the four corners of the square, each side is 20 metres long. Every side opens into a plaza through giant arches, which overlook four major thoroughfares and dwarf other features of the building except the minarets. Each arch is 11 metres wide and rises 20 metres to the pinnacle from the plinth. The minarets soar skywards by 24 metres from the roof of Charminar. Each minaret has four storeys, each looking like a delicately carved ring around the minaret. From the ground to the apex, the minarets cover a length of 48.7 metres.

Charminar is surrounded by markets and many other structures which adds to its grace. It boasts Chow Mohalla palace, Shahali Banda, Laad Bazar, Kali Kaman and Patthar Gatti and Mecca Masjid. The structure of Charminar show both Indian and Mughal architectural styles. You can see good views of all over the old city from the top of the minarets.

The Charminar, Hyderabad is a massive and impressive structure with four minarets. The Charminar in Hyderabad was constructed in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah.
Cultural India : Indian Monuments : Char Minar



Char Minar
The Charminar in Hyderabad was constructed in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah. He built the Charminar to mark the end of plague in the Hyderabad city. Since the construction of the Charminar, the Hyderabad city has almost become synonymous with the monument. The Charminar is a massive and impressive structure with four minarets. In the evening, with illumination, the great Charminar looks even greater. With the passage of time the Charminar occupied so much importance that it became the heart of all bustling activities. It is in the bustling bazaars around the Charminar that you find the traditional nahari stalls and kulchas of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is one of those few cities, which have a fine blend of modernity and tradition.

The Charminar has four imposing arches, which face the four main directions. A row of small vaulted niches ornament each of the four arches. The Char Minar is a two-storied building with the first floor being covered. The balconies on this floor provide a great view of the surrounding areas. A small mosque adorns the top floor of the Charminar. This mosque is situated on the western side of the Charminar facing Mecca, the holy city of the Muslims. This mosque is said to be the oldest surviving mosque in Hyderabad city. Charminar, the hub of Hyderabad city, has four wide roads going in each direction. The Charminar is square in shape, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center.

The four minarets of the Charminar dominate the landscape of the region. The minarets, their domed finials rising from their lotus-leaves cushion, rise to 180 feet from the ground. The whole structure contains various small and ornamental arches arranged in vertical and horizontal fashion. The cornice on the first floor upholds a series of six arches and capitals on each portico, rising to the double-story gallery of the minarets. The projected canopy, decorative brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to the Charminar. On the upper courtyard, a screen of arches topped by a row of square jalis or water screens provides a delicate charm to the muscular look of the Charminar.