Every person who has been to Hyderabad would admit that an authentic travel experience to this city is incomplete without a trip to the Charminar along with a generous plate of biryani. It is one of the most magnificent monuments in the country which is also popular as the local and national treasure. Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohammad Quli Qutab Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty who was the founder of the Hyderabad. It is located just in the core of the city’s busy market which is the prime reason to get huge tourists throughout the year from all over the world. But, here few facts that even the regular visitors to Charminar aren’t aware about this magnificent structure:
The Location of Charminar
It is believed that Mohammed QuliQutb Shah erected Charminar right at the centre of Hyderabad, as per the original layout of the city. The entire city was planned around the historical monument in a grid iron pattern. No wonder you can get a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of the Charminar.
A Secret Underground Tunnel
The underground tunnel is said to be a secret escape route that enabled the royal family to get away in case of a siege. It connects the Charminar with the Golconda Fort, situated in the western part of Hyderabad.
Significance of Cat in the Design
If you look closely at one of the arches on the eastern side of the Charminar, you would find a cat’s head carved in it. As mentioned earlier, the mosque was built to mark the end of plague. Since, plague is spread by infected rats and cats kill rats, the latter was included in the architecture to represent its role in eradicating the disease.
The 131 Years Old Timekeeper’s Clocks
A set of four clocks have been keeping close watch on the Arc de Triomphe of the East since 1889! These clocks are set on the four arches facing the former royal streets in four cardinal directions. Thesegigantic clocks had travelled from London during the rule of Mir Mehbood Ali Khan.
The Steps of the Structure
Each minaret is crowned by a bulbous dome with dainty petal-like designs at the base. Unlike the 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 its balustrades and balconies.
India is a vast country and a mystery to most. Those who live in it, those who now live outside of India or those who are just visiting. We, at NRIClub™, serve as a centralized hub of information for the residents, non-residents and travellers who are not familiar with various aspects of this great country. We are a unique, online portal providing all of the information to our users that could be relevant to them.
India is a vast country and a mystery to most. Those who live in it, those who now live outside of India or those who are just visiting. We, at NRIClub™, serve as a centralized hub of information for the residents, non-residents and travellers who are not familiar with various aspects of this great country.
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