Charminar is an important landmark in the city of Hyderabad. The monument is synonymous to the city as well as to its glorious historical past. It was erected, when Quli Qutb Shah shifted his capital from Golconda to the present city of Hyderabad. The monument is called so, owing to its four minarets. The splendor of the monument is especially evident during the night time, when it is illuminated. For some more interesting and fun facts about Charminar, read on.
Interesting & Fun Facts about Charminar
- Charminar was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591.
- It is believed that Charminar was built to honor a promise Quli Qutb Shah made to Allah.
- The mosque became popular as Charminar because of its four minarets.
- The four minarets of Charminar are said to honor the first four khalifas of Islam.
- The mosque actually occupies the top most floor of the monument.
- Charminar is a four - storied structure.
- As per a popular legend, an underground tunnel connects the palace at Golconda to Charminar, in order to provide the Qutb Shahi royal family an escape route in case of a siege. However, the exact location of the tunnel is unknown.
- Charminar is an impressive square monument.
- Each side of the monument measure 20 m and each corner has a tall pointed minaret.
- The height of each minaret is 48.7 m above the ground.
- Each minaret of Charminar has four stories and is marked by carved ring.
- Each minaret encloses 149 flights of steps, which take the visitors to the top floor.
- Each side of the Minar has a giant arch, which is 11 m wide and 20 m high, measuring from the summit to the plinth.
- Each arch also has a clock, which was installed in 1889.
- Built with granite and lime mortar, Charminar is a fine example of the Cazia style of architecture.
- There are two galleries within Charminar, one over another.
- Above the two galleries, there is a terrace, which acts like a roof along with a stone balcony.
- The main gallery of the Minar has 45 covered prayer spaces. Just in front, there is a large open space to accommodate more people for prayers on Fridays.
- Charminar is famous for its intricate carvings and moldings.
