Knowledge about historical monuments of India
Part – 6
THE CHARMINAR
●Location
The Charminar is located on the east bank of the Musi River in Hyderabad, Telangana.
●Construction
Built in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the Charminar is made of granite, lime mortar, and stucco.
●Architecture
The Charminar is a square structure with four grand arches and four minarets, each 160 feet (49 meters) tall. The minarets are supported by multisided columns that rise from the corners of the structure. The Charminar’s arches lead to two stories above the main structure, with the upper story housing a small mosque.
●Significance
The Charminar is a symbol of Hyderabad and is officially part of the Telangana emblem. It’s also a popular tourist attraction and a site for festivals like Eid-ul-adha and Eid al-Fitr.
●Features
The Charminar has:
■A small fountain in the courtyard for ablution before prayer
■Four clocks added to the structure in 1889
■A mosque on the top floor that’s believed to be the oldest in Hyderabad
■45 prayer spaces or musallah
■An open space on the roof’s western end that can accommodate more people during festivals and Friday prayers
