Charminar was built between 1591 and 1592 C.E. by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty and founder of the city. Often regarded as the cultural heart of Hyderabad, it is associated with several traditional accounts and beliefs.

Historical Background

One belief suggests that Charminar was erected at the place where a tazia was fixed to avert a plague in 1590. Another view is that it was built as a gift for Bhagmati. The structure served as a centre of learning and worship, with a Madarsa on the first floor and a mosque with stucco decoration on the second floor. These functions made it a significant spiritual and educational hub.

Location and Significance

Located in the old city of Hyderabad, Charminar remains a defining landmark of the city’s social and cultural identity.

Architectural Materials and Design

Charminar consists of a square central structure crowned by a dome and four minarets facing the cardinal directions. The minarets rise in three levels with arched balconies. The monument’s harmonious proportions and detailing reflect the architectural vocabulary of the Qutub Shahi period.