Charminar, Hyderabad

Charminar, Hyderabad (must see)

The Charminar, built in 1591 CE, is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad. The landmark has become a global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India. The Charminar is on the east bank of Musi river. To the northeast lies the Laad Bazaar and in the west end lies the granite-made richly ornamented Makkah Masjid. The English name is a transliteration and combination of the Urdu words Chār and Minar, translating to "Four Towers"; the eponymous towers are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the current undertaker of the structure, mentions in its records that: "There are various theories regarding the purpose for which Charminar was constructed. However, it is widely accepted that Charminar was built at the center of the city, to commemorate the eradication of plague", as Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah had prayed for the end of a plague that was ravaging his city and vowed to build a Mosque at the very place where he prayed.

Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah laid the Charminar, the structure was intended to serve as a Mosque and Madraasa. Mir Momin Astarabadi, the prime minister of Qutb Shah played a leading role to prepare the layout plan for the Charminar along with the new capital city (Hyderabad), the additional eminent architects from Persia were also invited to develop the city plan. the structure is of Indo-Islamic architecture style, incorporating Persian architectural elements. The Charminar was constructed on the intersection of the historical trade route that connects the markets of the Golconda with the port city of Masulipatnam. The Hyderabad city was designed keeping Charminar as a center piece. The city was spread around the Charminar in four different quadrants and chambers, segregated according to the established settlements.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hyderabad. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Charminar on Map

Sight Name: Charminar
Sight Location: Hyderabad, India (See walking tours in Hyderabad)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Hyderabad, India

Create Your Own Walk in Hyderabad

Create Your Own Walk in Hyderabad

Creating your own self-guided walk in Hyderabad is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hyderabad Cultural Venues

Hyderabad Cultural Venues

Hyderabad is the city of contrasts. There are many cultural sites and places of interest to explore here, including NTR Memorial, State Archeology Museum, Public Gardens and many religious sites, such as Birla Mandir (Hindu temple), St Joseph's (Roman Catholic) Cathedral and more.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.3 Km or 3.3 Miles
Hyderabad Old Town Tour

Hyderabad Old Town Tour

The capital and the largest city of the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is particularly renowned for its Old Town part, rich in attractions, such as Chowmahalla Palace, Nizam Museum and several ancient mosques, some of which date back to the 16th century. Take this self-guided tour to explore these and other prominent landmarks of Hyderabad's Old Town.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles