CHARMINAR HYDERABAD

The Charminar is to Hyderabad what the Taj is to Agra or the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. This towering monument cum mosque with four minarets and open arches boasts of a history of over 400 years and stands as the finest example of the city’s heritage and architectural legacy. Located in the heart of Hyderabad, it remains surrounded by a lively market place and is a top attraction for travelers visiting the city.

Charminar Quick Info

Location	Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings	9:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day
Entry Fee	₹ 5 for Indians; ₹ 100 for foreigners
Still and Video Camera	Free
Type	Mosque and monument
Year of Construction	1591
Commissioned by	Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of Qutb Shahi dynasty
Architectural Style	Indo-Islamic with influences from the Persian architectural style
Architect	Mir Momin Astarawadi
Material Used	Limestone, granite, pulverized marble, and mortar
Status	Monument under the Archeological Survey of India
Cost of Construction	9 lakh rupees

History of Charminar

Charminar was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in the year 1951. It is said that this square shaped structure with four pillars and intricate carvings was built in honour of his wife, Bhagmati. However, the actual reason behind building Charminar is still not clear.
As per a popular belief, Charminar was built to acknowledge the elimination of the plague which had affected the entire city immensely during that era. It is believed that Sultan had prayed for the end of this plague with which his people were suffering. Hence, as the plague ended, he built the charminar as a tribute to Allah. The four pillars are also said to be dedicated to the first four caliphs of Islam.
It is also said that it was built in the memory of Prophet Muhammed’s son in law who lost his life at the battle of Karbala as its design is in the shape of Shiya Tazias. Some also believe that location of Charminar is the place where Sultan had seen his then future wife Bahgmati for the first time.
As per a French traveller, Jean de Thévenot who travelled in the 17th century, the reason of its construction is entirely different. According to his narration which is in sync with the Persian texts as well, Charminar was built to commemorate the start of second Islamic millennium.
The inscription on the foundation stone is translated as ‘Fill this my city with people as, Thou hast filled the river with fishes, O Lord.’ This also indicates that the monument was built to mark of the city’s foundation as well. As per the historian Historian Mohammed Safiullah, Charminar was built as an epicenter of Hyderabad.
The construction began in 1589 and was completed in two years with a cost of Rs. 9 lakhs, which was around 2 lakhs huns/gold coins in those times. It is said to weigh around 14000 tones with a minimum of 30 feet deep foundation. In 1670, a minaret had fallen down after being struck by lightning. It was then repaired at a cost of around Rs.58000 then. In 1820, some part of it was renovated by Sikandar Jah at a cost of Rs. 2 lakhs.
There is another legend associated with the Charminar according to which, there is a secret underground tunnel that connects Charminar to the Golconda Fort. It was built for the royal family, to escape in case of any kind of emergencies. However, till date no tunnel could be found.

Charminar Hyderabad, Image Gallery

Architecture of Charminar

An Iranian architect Mir Momin Astrawadi, who had settled in Hyderabad, designed Charminar. It presents an imposing structure which has clearly withstood the test of time. It is a square shape monument with four pillars, one on each side. The architectural design of Charminar is inspired from the Shia "tazias". These Tazias were built in the memory of Hussain, who was the son in law of Prophet Muhhamed and had lost his life in the battle of Karbala.
The square shape of the monument measures 20 meters on each side. Each side of the monument is 11 meter wide and overlooks at the four prominent thoroughfares. Charminar has been built with granite and lime mortar.
The four pillars around Charminar represent the four caliphs. These pillars or minars are 48.7 meters high. These are four storied, with each floor divided by intricately carved rings that surround it. On the top floor of Chaminar there is a mosque which is believed to be the oldest mosque of Hyderabad city. There are 45 prayer spaces or musallah. Attached to these is the open space which can be used to accommodate more number of people on occasions like Friday prayers or festival. It is located at the western end of the monument’s roof. It can be reached via 149 winding steps. The view from the top is also breathtaking.
In the middle of the Charminar courtyard, you will find a small vazu with a small fountain, which has been built to provide water for the ablution before offering prayers.
One can also notice the signature motifs of Qutub Shahi buildings on Charminar. The manner with which each pillar has been built makes it appear as a lotus leaf. The arches around the structure does lead to slightly shorter appearance when in comparison to the minars. In the year of 1889, four clocks were also added on all the four sides of the structure.

Places to visit near Charminar

What adds more charm to the visit to this historical monument is the proximity it enjoys with many other popular tourist attractions in Hyderabad.
Mecca Masjid/Makkah Masjid- It is located quite close to Charminar. Hence, when visiting the monument art lovers can also plan a visit to this ancient mosque. The structure of Makkah Masjid beautifully represents the architectural style of Qutub Shahi Dynasty.
Laad Bazaar- Another popular place to visit when at Charminar is the Laad Bazaar. Not just a place for shopping lovers, this historical market is an ideal place for photographers as well. Also known as Choodi Bazaar, this is an ancient market dedicated especially for glass and lacquer bangles. This market dates back to the time of Nizams and Qutub Shahis.
From Charminar you can visit many other prominent sightseeing places as well. Chow Mohalla Palace which is only 10 minutes of walk from here is the most porniment one. Some of other places to visit are Kali Kaman, Patthar Gatti and Shahali Banda.

How to reach Charminar

Charminar is one of the most prominent landmarks of Hyderabad city hence reaching here is extremely easy even for first time visitors. Located on the Charminar road, Char Kaman in the Ghansi Bazaar, it can be reached via auto rickshaws and taxis.
There are many TSRTC buses that operate from major bus stands and railway stations of the city to Charminar. The distance between Charminar and Hyderabad bus stand is 5 km.

Interesting Facts about Charminar

• In 2010, Lindt chocolatier Adelbert Boucher designed a chocolate replica of Charminar weight fifty kilograms. It was displayed at The Westin, on 25th and 26th September. This was done as a tribute to the iconic Charminar.
• It is said that Charminar was the first building of Hyderabad which had more than one floor. It is considered as the very first multi storied building of this city.
• The name charminar was given to symbolise the four minars of the monument. Although away from the obvious four minars, this monument showcase four in its other aspects as well. For instance, it has four dome. There are four small arches on each side of the main arch.These arches are also built in four directions. Each of the four minars are also divided into four segments. There are four entryway to the monument. Even the galleries on each floor is also four. And the most interesting part is that Mohammad Quli Shah who was the builder of this monument was also the fourth Sultan of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty.
• Chamrinar is also known for the beautiful coexistence of different religions. Here you can experience the peacefulness of religious harmony. You can see how Mecca Masjid and Bhagyalakshmi Temple have been built so close yet stands with their individualistic religious significance.
• It is believed that Charminar was built to fulfil the secret promise Md. Quli Qutb had made to Allah in his prayers.
• Charminar is said to have survived all kinds of invasion. It is said that in 1687, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had destroyed most of the building of Hyderabad during invasion. However, owing to the presence of mosque on Charminar’s top floor, he had left the monument untouched.