CHARMINAR
The great architecture of Charminar shows the grandeur of complex islamic architectural style. Charminar is one of the greatest monument in India represents the hi-tech city of Hyderabad. Charminar is one of India’s iconic medieval structures.
Charminar is a mosque and monument constructed in the year 1591, located in the capital city of Telangana state, Hyderabad. Charminar is one of the most recognized structures of India. It become a global icon of Hyderabad.
Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi river. One can see the reflection of this architectural grandeur in the waters of Musi River.
The main architect of Charminar is Mir Momin Astarabad. It reflects the Indo-Islamic architecture style. And the founder of Charminar is Muhammad Quli Qutib Shah.
The reason behind building such an architectural marvel remains unclear, though it is widely accepted that the Charminar was built to commemorate the eradication of the plague which was widespread during that period in the city. According to Jean de Thevenot, a Frenchtraveler of the 17th century whose narration was complemented with the available Persian texts, the construction was done to celebrate the beginning of the second Islamic millennium year. Others have come to believe that the king erected the structure at the very spot where he first laid his eyes on his future begum Bhagmati.
Structure of Charminar
Charminar is basically a squared structure with each side measuring 20 meters. It has four grand arches that faces a point that open into four streets. At each corner stands an elegantly shaped minaret of 56 meters high, with a double balcony. Each minaret of Charminar is crowned by a rounded dome with delicate petal-like designs at the base. There are 149 winding steps to reach the upper floor. The structure of Charminar is also known for its abundance of stucco decorations and the arrangement of its balustrades and balconies.
Charminar, it name itself describes the four minars, it has for minar of 48.7 meters high.
Materials used in Charminar
The structure of Charminar is made up of limestone, granite, pulverized marble and mortar.
Clock In Charminar
The clock located on four cardinal directions of Charminar, and it was added in the year 1889. There is a vazu in the middle of the tower, with a small fountain for ablution before offering prayer in the Charminar Mosque.
Underground Tunnel in Charminar
There is a legend of an underground tunnel in Charminar connecting the Golkonda fort to Charminar, possibly intended as an escape route for the Qutb Shahi rulers in case of a siege, though the location of the tunnel is unknown to the modern archaeologists.
The second floor of the structure houses the oldest mosque of the city. It is located on the western side of the roof. The eastern part served as the court at the time of Sultan Qutb Shah. There are two galleries inside the Charminar one over the other. The main gallery has 45 musallah or prayer spaces opening up to an uncovered space that may accommodate more people during Friday prayers.
Gallery
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