Charminar – Art and Architectre of Charminar

Charminar, which literally means “Mosque of the Four Minarets” or “Four Towers” is the most famous and important monument situated in Hyderabad, India. The great monument is considered the foundation around which the glory and history of the Hyderabad has developed.

History about Charminar

Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah built this famous structure to commemorate the elimination of a plague epidemic from this city. It is believed that he had prayed for the end of a plague that was ravaging his city and vowed to build a masjid at the very place where he was praying. Today one can see the city as evidence of the prayer being answered. There is also a legend of an underground tunnel that connects palace at Golkonda to Charminar which is possibly intended as an escape route for the Qutub Shahi rulers in case of a siege.

Art and Architecture of Charminar

This beautiful colossus in granite, lime, mortar and, some say, pulverised marble, was at one time the heart of the city. This great tribute to aesthetics looks sturdy and solid from a distance but as you’ll move closer, it will emerge as an elegant and romantic edifice proclaiming its architectural eminence in all its detail and dignity.

Charminar looks equally spectacular at night when it is illuminated full of lights. Charminar is a beautiful and impressive square monument. Each side measures 20 m, and each of the corners has a tall, pointed minaret. These four gracefully carved minarets soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground.

The actual masjid occupies the top floor of the four-storey structure. A vault that appears from inside like a dome, supports two galleries within the Charminar, one over another, and above those a terrace that serves as a roof, bordered with a stone balcony. The main gallery has 45 covered prayer spaces with a large open space in front to accommodate more people for Friday prayers.

More at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charminar

Tags: Architecture, Minars, Monuments, Qutub Shahi