Charminar, the global Icon of Hyderabad

Charminar

Charminar combination of Urdu words, meaning in English as “Four Towers”. Charminar, one of the most recognized structures of India. The monument, or, mosque was built in 1590, CE, in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks Musi river, to the northeast of Charminar.Laad bazaar lies and to its west end  Makkah Masjid,  which is richly ornamented.  To the base of the monument, a small Hindu temple is located which is dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi. The temple is known with the name of Bhagyalaxmi Temple. There was big issue emerged in Hyderabad regarding the abutting of one of the minarets of Charminar which later grown into violent protest that questions the legality of temple.

History of Chandminar

In the 16^thcentury,Golkonda was the capital of QutubShahi kingdom, which was the city of most powerful Muslim sultanates. The city was flourishing centre of diamond and pearls. In early 1580’s,Golkondasultanate, MuhammadQuliQutub Shah was decided to shift his capital 5 miles away from Golkonda and the place where, the capital was shifted is Hyderabad and Charminar was the first structure built in the capital. There are many myths about Charminar and the exact date of its construction is unknown. According to the historic travelers and historians, the widely accepted fact about Chanrminar is that it was built at the centre of the city. Some says that Chandminar was constructed in the honor of beginning of the Second Islamic Millennium year.

Structure of Charminar

Charminar is a square structure with four arches each facing the fundamental point, which opens into four streets. At each corner stands an equally shaped minaret with double story building and each minaret is crowned with dome and petals at its base. The structure is made of granite, limestone and pulverized marble. The mosque supports two galleries, one over another and the main gallery has 45 open spaces for prayer. The idea behind structure of Charminar with four proportionately arches is that when the fort was opened, one can see the glimpse of bustling Hyderabad. The mosque is facing towards the most active ancient streets. There is a hidden escape route of underground tunnel, possibly for the QutubShahi rulers in case of siege.

Landmarks nearby Charminar

·         Makkah Masjid: MakkahMasjis is heritage listed building in the old Hyderabad city. It is one of the largest and oldest mosques in India. Mekkah Masjid is named after the bricks which were made of the soil from Mecca, which is the holiest site of Islam.

·         Bhagyalaxmi temple:  It is a small temple of Hindu’s, which is located at the base of Charminar. The temple is located to Lord Laxmi. There are disagreements over the antique of the temple.  The Hindu claims that the temple is as old as Charminar.

·         LaadBaazar: LaadBaazar is very old market popular for bangles, it is also known as Choody bazaar. It is situated in one of the main roads from Charminar. Laad means lacquer which is used to make bangles.

Accommodation nearby Charminar

Charminar is very popular in the country, because, of its structure and its historical importance. Many tourists visit Charminar and the important places near it. In this area, there are number of hotels and resorts located providing various facilities and great ambiance. Tourists prefer the hotels nearby the places they are visiting. There are delighted hotels and resorts for the opulent people and budget hotels are also available. Hotels near Charminar provide online booking facility, for foreigners arrange tourists guide also, ranges vary from 1500 INR to 5800 INR and above. Most of the hotels are located in the four roads from Charminar.

Charminar in the capital of Andhra Pradesh is a great place to visit and to know about the culture of India. The interesting history of this mosque tells the importance as well as the uniqueness of this mosque.