Often referred to as 'Arc de triomphe of the East', Charminar of Hyderabad is an architectural gem that was built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. It is so named because of the four elegant, graceful and intricately carved minarets soaring to height of 48.7 m each. Situated in the Lad Bazaar in the old city, this colossal monument has daunted over the city for more than four centuries now. Quli Qutub S
hah had planned and established the new city of Hyderabad with square-shaped Charminar at its centre. The four arches of the monument face all the four directions and are 11 m wide and 20 m high from the base. The 45 prayer spaces and a large open space in front are to accommodate people who come here to offer their prayers, especially on Fridays. To the east of the open space in the mosque is a beautiful a lovely verandah sporting a large open arch in the centre flanked by smaller ones on both sides. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, Char minar is made up of granite and lime-mortar. A delightful fusion of 'Cazia' and Islamic architectural style, the intertwined arches and domes have been borrowed from the typical Islamic style of architecture. The graceful floral motif on the top of the Charminar, the magic of rich Deccan culture and the excellent panoramic views of the city and Golconda Fort make one wonder about the glory of Hyderabad during the Qutub Shahi times.
