Charminar , Hyderabad, India - The Charminar, built in 1591 CE, is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.The landmark has become a global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India.The Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi river.To the west lies the Laad Bazaar, and to the southwest lies the richly ornamented granite Makkah Masjid. The Charminar was constructed on the intersection of the historical trade route that connects the markets of Golconda with the port city of Masulipatnam.The Old City of Hyderabad was designed with Charminar as its centerpiece.The city was spread around the Charminar in four different quadrants and chambers, seggregated according to the established settlements. Towards the north of Charminar is the Char Kaman, or four gateways, constructed in the cardinal directions. The Charminar is a square structure with each side 20 meters (approximately 66 feet) long, with four grand arches each facing a fundamental point that open into four streets. At each corner stands an exquisitely shaped minaret, 56 meters (approximately 184 feet) high, with a double balcony. Each minaret is crowned by a bulbous dome with dainty petal-like designs at the base. Unlike the Taj Mahals, Charminars 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 its balustrades and balconies. The structure is made of granite, limestone, mortar and pulverised marble. Initially the monument with its four arches was so proportionately planned that when the fort was opened one could catch a glimpse of the bustling Hyderabad city, as these Charminar arches were facing the most active royal ancestral streets.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 06:37:18 +0000
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