Charminar: Exquisite Landmark of Hyderabad
There are several places of historical importance in India. Every state of this country has inherited some or the other memorabilia in the form of a historical monument, fort, park, or any other place that has now become a major tourist attraction. Charminar is one such place which stands apart with its design and structure in Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Charminar was built in 1591 A.D by then ruler Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, a ruler of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. Surrounded by a river bank on the east, market area in the northeast and a mosque on the west, Charminar is now a bustling place with lots of activities taking place due to the footfalls of visitors and the vendors who are constantly trying to sell something or the other to the people passing by.
Charminar derives its name from Urdu language. Char means four and Minar means tower. The story goes that Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah prayed and pledged that when the epidemic of plague is over, he will build a mosque at the place he chose to pray. Later sometime, the mosque was disfigured as it was struck by lightning, breaking the south western minaret into pieces. Repaired to preserve its original form, the mosque was plastered again in 1824.
Structure
The mosque was constructed using limestone, granite, mortar, and pulverized marble as the key materials. A well planned structure, the Charminar became a point from where people could look at glorious streets and the city. The four minarets and the square shape of the fort are just the exterior; the interiors of the fort are an exclusive remembrance of the time when the royal blood was full of adrenaline to define architectural excellence. The height of each minaret is 56 meters with four floors, and the highest floor of each minaret provides a serene view of the city. Each minaret opens the view to a wide street. With a double balcony and archways covered by a dome, one can reach the upper floor of the minaret by climbing 149 steps and the thrill of being in a space that has been a witness to the changing times can be felt once you reach the top.
It is said that Golkonda is connected to Charminar through an underground tunnel. Termed as an escape route for the rulers, the location of the tunnel is still unknown and unless found, the tunnel may be just another historical anecdote with no evidence as such. A perfect illustration of the Islamic architecture, Charminar served as a learning institute during the period of Qutb Shahi Dynasty in Hyderabad though only the first floor was used for teaching. Moreover, there are forty-five praying spaces in the upper floor between the minarets. These spaces were meant to be used for Friday prayers and the large open spaces were able to accommodate large crowds that would turn up for the prayers. For a considerable time, the dignity of the fort was compromised when the rulers from Britain used it as a warehouse for storing opium and liquor.
Things to Do
Although there are no restrictions to visit Charminar, you need a special permission from the Archaeological Survey of India, Hyderabad Circle, if your intention is to look at the city from the roof of the minaret. Watching the fort at night is a memorable experience for the visitors. The insides of the fort are adorned with bright lights that glow and glorify the exterior and interior of the fort. Charminar is located within the city. Moreover, there are many vendors and shopkeepers who continue to run their business activities in the surrounding area. This is one factor that adds to the charm of Charminar because apart from experiencing the myriad views this place has to offer, you can also indulge in eating and shopping goodies such as bangles and even gold jewelery.
Laad Bazaar, a market from where you can purchase bangles, imitation jewelry, saris, and wedding related items, is operational since the time Charminar was built and continues to fulfill the requirements of the customers. Chowmahalla Palace is another addition for the visitors who look around for some more scenic views of ancient architectures. Built in 1880s, this place belongs to the Nizams of the state, and now stands as a pristine form of human habitat of that time. Another rare sight for the people who appreciate the beauty of architecture is the Makkah Masjid, which is a listed heritage building. It is one of the oldest and largest mosques built in India.
Eateries around Charminar are known for serving traditional cuisines, and the best one to feast upon is the Hyderabadi Biryani, apart from Mirchi Ka Salan, Haleem, etc. Double ka Meetha is a perfect dessert to complete your meal. Prepared with rounded slices of bread, almonds, cardamom, cashews, milk, saffron, and pistachios, you will have one more dessert added to your list of favorites. Charminar is one of the historical places in India that has earned a reputation across the world owing to its unique built. This is one place that you can visit all year round. So, pack your bags and head to this mesmerizing piece of history that stands apart in the heart of the city.
Charminar derives its name from Urdu language. Char means four and Minar means tower. The story goes that Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah prayed and pledged that when the epidemic of plague is over, he will build a mosque at the place he chose to pray. Later sometime, the mosque was disfigured as it was struck by lightning, breaking the south western minaret into pieces. Repaired to preserve its original form, the mosque was plastered again in 1824.
Structure
The mosque was constructed using limestone, granite, mortar, and pulverized marble as the key materials. A well planned structure, the Charminar became a point from where people could look at glorious streets and the city. The four minarets and the square shape of the fort are just the exterior; the interiors of the fort are an exclusive remembrance of the time when the royal blood was full of adrenaline to define architectural excellence. The height of each minaret is 56 meters with four floors, and the highest floor of each minaret provides a serene view of the city. Each minaret opens the view to a wide street. With a double balcony and archways covered by a dome, one can reach the upper floor of the minaret by climbing 149 steps and the thrill of being in a space that has been a witness to the changing times can be felt once you reach the top.
It is said that Golkonda is connected to Charminar through an underground tunnel. Termed as an escape route for the rulers, the location of the tunnel is still unknown and unless found, the tunnel may be just another historical anecdote with no evidence as such. A perfect illustration of the Islamic architecture, Charminar served as a learning institute during the period of Qutb Shahi Dynasty in Hyderabad though only the first floor was used for teaching. Moreover, there are forty-five praying spaces in the upper floor between the minarets. These spaces were meant to be used for Friday prayers and the large open spaces were able to accommodate large crowds that would turn up for the prayers. For a considerable time, the dignity of the fort was compromised when the rulers from Britain used it as a warehouse for storing opium and liquor.
Things to Do
Although there are no restrictions to visit Charminar, you need a special permission from the Archaeological Survey of India, Hyderabad Circle, if your intention is to look at the city from the roof of the minaret. Watching the fort at night is a memorable experience for the visitors. The insides of the fort are adorned with bright lights that glow and glorify the exterior and interior of the fort. Charminar is located within the city. Moreover, there are many vendors and shopkeepers who continue to run their business activities in the surrounding area. This is one factor that adds to the charm of Charminar because apart from experiencing the myriad views this place has to offer, you can also indulge in eating and shopping goodies such as bangles and even gold jewelery.
Laad Bazaar, a market from where you can purchase bangles, imitation jewelry, saris, and wedding related items, is operational since the time Charminar was built and continues to fulfill the requirements of the customers. Chowmahalla Palace is another addition for the visitors who look around for some more scenic views of ancient architectures. Built in 1880s, this place belongs to the Nizams of the state, and now stands as a pristine form of human habitat of that time. Another rare sight for the people who appreciate the beauty of architecture is the Makkah Masjid, which is a listed heritage building. It is one of the oldest and largest mosques built in India.
Eateries around Charminar are known for serving traditional cuisines, and the best one to feast upon is the Hyderabadi Biryani, apart from Mirchi Ka Salan, Haleem, etc. Double ka Meetha is a perfect dessert to complete your meal. Prepared with rounded slices of bread, almonds, cardamom, cashews, milk, saffron, and pistachios, you will have one more dessert added to your list of favorites. Charminar is one of the historical places in India that has earned a reputation across the world owing to its unique built. This is one place that you can visit all year round. So, pack your bags and head to this mesmerizing piece of history that stands apart in the heart of the city.
Comments
Post a Comment