Charminar in Hyderabad

 

The Charminar of Hyderabad is widely reckoned and named among the most recognized monumental structures of India. The Charminar is one of the most illustrious tourist sites and one among the frequently visited monuments of India. The place attracts visitors from all around the world throughout the year.

Location of Charminar

The Charminar, the stupefying representative of Islamic architecture is located on the east bank of Musi River (branch of Krishna River in the Deccan Plateau running through the state of Andhra Pradesh). 

In the northeastern side of the structure lies the very old popular bangle market Laad Bazaar and in the west end direction lays the oldest masjids of the state Mecca Masjid.

History of Charminar

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golkonda whose sovereignty is regarded as one of the eminent periods of the Qutb Shahi dynasty constructed the majestic structure of Charminar in 1591 AD. 

Later the sultan had changed over his home base from Golkonda to present day Hyderabad city. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah constructed the far-famed Charminar to memorialize the riddance of a plague epidemic from the region.

The sultan is supposed to have prayed for the end to the plague epidemic that was devastating his region and committed to establish a Muslim place of worship.

Architecture of Charminar

The Charminar is basically a four-sided construction with each side 65.6168 feet long, with four elegant and refined arches each facing a primal point. 

Each nook features a delicately shaped slender tower with balconies, 183.727 feet high. 

The Charminar's four delicately shaped slender towers are constructed in association with the primary structure. 

This sensational construction is a perfect illustration of richness of stucco works and placement of balustrades (railing at the side of a stairway or balcony to prevent people from falling). The Charminar features 149 stairs to arrive at the top floor.

The Charminar was constructed using mortar (mixture of lime or cement, sand and water that sets firmly), limestone and powderized marble. 

A masjid is situated at the western side of the exposed roof, and the continuing division of the roof functioned as a court during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. 

The primary gallery contains almost 45 mushallas (prayer spaces) with a prominent open space ahead to hold large crowds for Jumu'ah (Friday prayers). The place also features a cistern with a modest fount for ablutions (ritual washing) before offering prayers in accordance with conventions.

Charminar - Quick Facts:

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person. For other foreign tourists ticket price is INR 250 per person.
Timings: 9am–5:30pm (throughout the year)
Duration of visit: 2 to 3 hours

Nearby Places of Interest:

• Mecca Masjid (0.09 km from Charminar)
• Laad Bazaar (0.21 km from Charminar)
• Chowmahalla Palace (0.5 km from Charminar)
• Nehru Zoological Park (3.8 km from Charminar)
• Qutub Shahi Tombs (9.8 km from Charminar)

For more details on Charminar, please contact:

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC)
Charminar Rd, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002
Phone: 040 6674 5986