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This is a photo of the ASI monument number, By Gopikrishna Narla – Own work,

Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Charminar, India

Charminar was constructed in 1591, it is located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Charminar’s long history which includes the existence of a mosque on its top floor is more than 425 years.

It is both historically and religiously significant. It is one of the most frequent tourist attractions in Hyderabad due to its popular and busy local markets surrounding the structure. It is also a site of numerous festival celebrations since its adjacent to the main mosque of the city Makkah Masjid across the road.

It is listed as an archaeological and architectural treasure on the official list of monuments that were prepared by the archaeological survey of India.

Along with Qutub Shah, Golconda Fort, and Qutub Shahi Tombs, Charminar was included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On September 10, 2010, the monument was submitted by the permanent delegation of India to UNESCO.

Charminar means four pillars. It was built as a monument and mosque that later became a global icon of Hyderabad. King  QuliQutub Shah,  built this monument, he was the fourth Qutb Shahi king, and was designed by an Iranian architect Momin Astrawadi, who had settled in Hyderabad. Charminar is the most prominent landmark located right in the heart of Hyderabad.

Here are the top 10 interesting facts that you should know before that may influence you to visit the Charminar or the city of Hyderabad.

1. Was built to commemorate the end plague

It was believed that King  QuliQutub Shah constructed Charminar to commemorate the end of the plague epidemic in the memory of his queen Bhagmati. The ruler had prayed that he would build a mosque when the plague menace ended.

It was also believed that the Charminar was built by King QuliQutub Shah to honor women because he built the Charminar in memory of his late wife Bhagmati, which was a symbol of love and affection.

2. There is a secret underground tunnel that links Charminar and Golconda fort

It is believed that there is a secret underground tunnel in the monument but no one knows where it is located. The tunnel is said to connect Charminar and Golconda Fort. It was built as a secret escape route for the royal family in case of any siege.

3. A cat was carved on one of the arches of the Charminar

If you look closely at one of the arches, you are likely to find a cat’s head designed on the top of one of the little bends on the eastern side. As mentioned earlier that the mosque was built to mark the end of plaque, and the cats were carved to signify that the cats killed the infected rats. Since the plaque infected rats. Therefore the latter was included in the architecture to represent its role in eradicating the disease.

4. Its the oldest monument

Charminar, By Mhdmzml – Own work,

The historical age of this monument is more than 450 years, which makes Charminar one of the oldest monuments in India. Yet this monument is still standing tall in all its glory; all hail to that centuries-old craftsmanship.

5. It was the first multi-storied building in Hyderabad

 Not only Charminar is an iconic monument in Hyderabad but it was also the first multi-storied building built in Hyderabad. It was also the very first multi-storied building which was built with ancient features.

6. The Centre of the city

Charminar is considered to be the center of Hyderabad city because it was deliberately built in the heart of the city. The city was intended over a gridiron pattern, with the iconic Charminar as the focal point.

The design had two roads running east-west and north-south, which makes the structure to be the Centre of the city.

7 . It has four arches

There are four arches. Small arches on each side of the main arch are also four. Each minaret is then again divided into four parts. The number of galleries found at different levels is four; the number of arches, which are built if four directions,  to enter the monument is also four. And not to forget, King  QuliQutub Shah, who built this monument, was the fourth Qutb Shahi king.

8. Different religions coexist peacefully

The monument indicates how different religions can coexist peacefully in a place. It is interesting how both the Mecca Masjid Mosque and Bhagyalakshmi can create a symbol of religious and cultural harmony in the city. Therefore it is a sign of numerous beliefs living in a solitary place.

9. Structure and architecture

 Charminar is the monumental size and the intricate Islamic architecture, which is built-in granite and lime mortar, and pulverized marble which weighs about 14000 tones apiece.

It is a square structure with each side being 20metres long, whereby the four sides have one of four grand arches that are facing a fundamental point that opens directly onto the street. It has four fluted minarets are built into the main structure.

An Iranian architect Mir Momin Astrawadi, who had settled in Hyderabad, designed Charminar. It presents an imposing structure that has withstood the test of time. It is a square-shaped monument with four pillars, one on each side.

The architectural design of Charminar is inspired by the Shia “tazias”. These Tazias were built in the memory of Hussain, who was the son-in-law of Prophet Mohamed and had lost his life in the battle of Karbala.

10. Charminar is the iconic landmark of the South Indian city of Hyderabad

Charminar on a cloudy day, By Santosh Kumar Velamala,

Charminar is an iconic landmark of the City of Hyderabad, that became known globally as a symbol of Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognized structures in India. 

It is historically and religiously significant and it is also known for its popular and bust local markers surrounding the structure. It has also become the most frequently visited tourist attraction in Hyderabad.

Charminar is also a site of numerous festival celebrations such as Eid-ul-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. since it is adjacent to the main mosque of the city Makkah Masjid across.