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The pride of Hyderabad the Charminar in India is one of the most prominent landmarks of this historic city. The Charminar stands majestically amidst the 400 year old city and is crafted elegantly; a hallmark of Islamic architecture similar to that used in Jamia Masjid or popular as Mecca Masjid. Charminar is an imposing structure which remain testimony to the Muslim rule in the Deccan and it remains as a testimony to the rich architectural past. This monument was built by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 by the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shah dynasty of Golconda. During his tenure he ordered the construction of the Charminar which became charismatic structure.
The charminar is a beautiful and impressive square monument, with each side measuring 20 meters, and each of the edges having a pointed high minaret. It drives its name from these four gracefully carved minerates which soar to a height of approximately 55 meters above the ground, commanding the landscape for miles around. Each minerate has four stories each looking like a delicately carved ring around the minaret. Every side opens into a plaza through giant arches, which overlook four major thorough fares and dwarf other features of the building except the minerates. Each arch is 11 meters wide and rises 20 meters to the pinnacle from the plinth.
The fluted minarets of charminar are built into the main structure. Inside the four-story’s minarets 149 winding steps guide the visitors to the upper floor, the highest point one can reach, and providing a panoramic view of the old city. Built with local granite and lime mortar. The top floor of the four floor story’s structure contains the small mosque with 45 covered prayer spaces and some open space to accommodate more people in Friday prayers.
There are two galleries within the Charminar, one over another, and above those a terrace that serves as a roof bordered with a stone balcony. It is vaulted underneath and appears like a dome. There is a large table raised seven to eight feet from the ground with steps leading to it.
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