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Hello everyone welcome back to our channel Travel fun diaries Today, we're diving deep into the heart of Hyderabad to explore one of its most iconic landmark - the majestic Charminar
The Charminar is to Hyderabad what the Taj Mahal is to Agra or the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. This towering monument cum mosque with four minarets and open arches boasts of a history of over 400 years and stands as the finest example of the city’s heritage and architectural legacy. Located in the heart of Hyderabad, it remains surrounded by a lively market place and is a top attraction for travelers visiting the city.
The Charminar is certainly one of those heritage structures you must explore as a session of sightseeing. Lets take a look at the history of Charminar: The fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, built the Charminar in 1591 after shifting his capital from Golkonda to the newly formed city of Hyderabad.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI),is the current caretaker of the structure. It mentions in its records, "There are various theories regarding the purpose for which Charminar was constructed.
However, it is widely accepted that Charminar was built at the centre of the city, to commemorate the eradication of plague", a deadly disease which was wide spread at that time.
The Charminar was constructed at the inter section of the historical trade route that connects the city to international markets through the port city of Machilipatnam. The Old City of Hyderabad was designed with Charminar as its centre piece. `1
The city was spread around the Charminar in four different quadrants and chambers, segregated according to the established settlements. Towards the north of Charminar is the Char Kaman, or four gateways, constructed in the cardinal direction.
Additional eminent architects from Persia were also invited to develop the city plan. The structure itself was intended to serve as a mosque and madrasa. It is of Indo-Islamic architecture style, incorporating Persian architectural elements.
A sample of Charminar is said to have been created at Dabirpura graveyard before the actual construction. Historian Masud Hussain Khan says that the construction of Charminar was completed in the year 1592, and that it is the city of Hyderabad which was actually founded in the year 1591.
Qutb Shah was also among the early poets of Dakhani Urdu. While laying the foundation of Charminar, it is said he performed the prayers in Dakhini couplets, which are recorded as follows: Fill this city of mine with people as You filled the river with fishes O Lord.
Lets take a look at some Interesting facts about the Charminar During the Mughal governorship between Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi rule, the southwestern minaret fell to pieces after being struck by lightning and was repaired at a cost of Rs. 60,000.
In 1824, the monument was replastered at acost of Rs. One lakh. Do you know that great geometric combinations and mathematical reasoning has gone into the construction of Charminar?
Visitors are usually astounded by the beauty of the 16 century monument, but not many know how the number ‘char’ or four and its multiples figure in the designing of the structure. In at least 22 spots the magic of four dazzles. The main Minars and arches are four.
So are the small arches decorated on eachs ide of the main arch. The number of galleries built in each Minarat different level is four. Again, each Minar is divided into four parts. The supporting arches to galleries and main dome in each Minar are four.
The number of entrance arches built in four directions to enter the Minar is also four. The Charminar masjid is a square structure with each side being 20 meters approximately 66 feet long.
Each of the four sides has one of four grand arches, each facing a fundamental point that opens directly onto the street in front of it. At each corner stands an exquisitely shaped,56 meter-high approximately 184 feet minaret, with a double balcony.
Each minaret is crowned by a bulbous dome with dainty, petal-like designs at the base. Unlike the minarets of Taj Mahal, Charminar's four fluted minarets are built into the main structure. There are 149 winding steps to reach the upper floor.
The structure is also known for its profusion of stucco decorations and the arrangement of balustrades and balconies. The structure is made of granite, limestone, mortar, and pulverised marble, weighing approximately 14,000 tones.
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