History of Charminar

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The Charminar, an iconic symbol of Hyderabad, stands in the heart of the old city and is a testament to the grandeur of Mughal architecture. Built in 1591, it is one of India’s most recognized landmarks.

 The minar was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591. It is a quadrangular structure, with four minarets at the four corners and beautiful carvings all over.

According to several legends, this structure was built in memory of his love for his wife, Bhagmati.

Some say that when the plague of pestilence broke out in the city of Hyderabad, the sultan prayed to Allah to save the city from this danger. After the plague was over, he built this Charminar in gratitude to Allah.

As well as others

Some say it was built in memory of Imam Hussein, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala, because its design was inspired by the Shia Tazia.

French tourist Jean de Thévenot said the Charminar was built to celebrate the beginning of the second Islamic millennium. "Lord, fill my city with people, just as you have filled the rivers with fish."

Cost and Time of Construction

Construction began in 1589 and was completed in two years. It cost about 9 lakh taka (about 2 lakh gold coins at that time).

One of the minarets collapsed in a lightning strike in 1670 and was later rebuilt. In 1820, Sikandar Jah repaired it for Rs 2 lakh.

The Secret Story

Many believe that there is a secret tunnel from Charminar to Golconda Fort, which was used by the royal family to escape in case of emergency. However, there's no proof for this yet.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

The Architectural Style

The Charminar was designed by Iranian architect Mir Momin Astravadi. It is a quadrangular structure with a length of 20 meters, the width of each side of which is 11 meters.

The four minarets are dedicated to the first four caliphs of Islam. Each minaret is 48.7 meters tall and has four floors separated by intricately carved rings.

At the top floor lies a mosque, considered the oldest in Hyderabad, with 45 places of worship and an open space for prayer during Fridays or festivals. Access is via 149 spiral steps.

The Most Beautiful Part

In the middle courtyard, there is a small fountain for ablution before prayers. The lower grooves of the minarets resemble lotus leaves, a symbol of Qutb Shahi architecture. In 1889, clocks were added on all four sides.

Conclusion

Charminar is not only a historical monument but also a symbol of the soul of Hyderabad. Love, prayer, mourning, and the glorious beginning of the city—all are mixed in this majestic tower.

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