|
|
 Charminar meaning ‘Mosque of the Four Minarets’ and ‘Four Towers’ is the most famous mosque and monument in the city of Hyderabad, India. It is often referred to as ‘The Arc de Triomphe of the East’. It was built in the year 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah and is a beautiful structure with four intricately carved minarets.
History:
Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the 5th ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty built Charminar in 1591 shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golkonda to Hyderabad. He built this famous structure to commemorate the elimination of a plague epidemic from this city. He is said to have prayed for the end of a plague that was ravaging his city and vowed to build a masjid at the very place where he prayed.
Architecture:
It is a blend of 'Cazia' and Islamic style of architecture built with granite and lime-mortar. The intertwined arches and domes are evidence of Islamic style of the architecture. It depicts the Indo-Saracenic tradition - a symbiosis of the Hindu and the Muslim traditions, which has woven the magic of a rich Deccan culture.
Construction:
Charminar is a beautiful and impressive square monument. Each side measures 20 m, and each of the corners has a tall, pointed minaret. These four carved minarets are 48.7 m high. Each minaret has four stories, marked by a delicately carved ring around the minaret. Inside, 149 winding steps lead to the top floor which provides a captivating view of the city.
At the western end of the roof is a beautiful mosque; the oldest in the city. Atop the great monument are 45 prayer spaces for the devotees where they can offer worship. East of this space is a spacious verandah with small and large arches in the middle.
Religious Significance:
The Charminar is a renowned holy place for Muslims and is also known as Mecca of the south. The structure reflects the glory of the Qutub Shahi dynasty and the design is said to be based on Shia ‘tazias’ erected in honour of Hussain, the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad.
Enormous in its size, this imposing structure exudes a charm that is more than 400 years old. Apart from being the core of the city’s cultural milieu, it looks equally spectacular at night when illuminated. The famous markets - Laad Baazar and Pather Gatti, near the Charminar, are a favourite of both tourists and locals for jewellery, especially known for exquisite bangles and pearls respectively.
|
|
