Essay on Charminar in 500 Words
Charminar is a monument that means four minarets. It was constructed in 1591 located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The name itself reflects charm. It is one of the oldest and famous historical monuments in India which was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
Moreover, it is also known as “Arc De Triumph of the East”. Charminar has been listed the most recognized structures in India and has also earned the title as the Emblem of Telangana. It is a structure standing amidst the busy local market and is the most frequented tourist attractions in Hyderabad.
History of Charminar
Charminar was erected more than four centuries ago by the fifth Sultan Quli Qutb Shah of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda. He was the one who founded the city of Hyderabad.
It is a 425-year-old monument. There is a beautiful story associated with the history of Hyderabad. Many have criticised the stories validation, but several historians have claimed it to be true.
During his years as a Prince, Muhammad Quli met a girl named Bhagmati in Chichlan village who was visiting the place to establish a new city. She was beautiful and had a charming personality which captivated Prince’s attention, and his eyes were fixated on this beauty.
He fell madly in love with her and wished to marry. However, their caste was different, he is Muslim and she a Hindu which created a strict opposition from both the ends.
He had crossed the Musi River during storm and flood just to meet Bhagmati. On hearing this, his father ordered his men to build a bridge now known as Purana-pul.
He married Bhagmati after 11 years of waiting. She converted to Islam and hence she was named Hydermahal. Therefore later the city was called Hyderabad.
As a ruler, Quli Qutb was an able administrator and a passionate builder. He did not believe in war and maintained good relations with Persia and extended trading between Golconda and Persia.
Goods like tobacco, gun powder, rubies, textile, and wooden furniture were exported, and ceramics, carpets, glass silver, pearls and horses were imported. People admired his peaceful and calm nature. His engagement was more towards poetry, art, architecture, town-planning and literature than war.
There are other theories regarding the objective for building the Charminar. It was believed that Charminar was built to commemorate the eradication of cholera which sabotaged the city. According to French traveller Jean de Thevenot narration, it was constructed to mark the beginning of the second millennium year.
Structure of Charminar
It is a square-shaped structure with each side being 20 meters long. The designer was an Iranian architect named Mr Momin Astarawadi. The grand edifice displays the Indo-Islamic style influenced by Persian style.
The entire monument is made up of limestone, granite, pulverized marble, and mortar and weighs around 14,000 tons. There are four grand arches, and four minarets places at four corners provide a distinctive look.
Each of the four minarets is four-storied, has a double balcony, 56 meters long and exhibits a dome-shaped structure on its top. One hundred forty-nine steps lead the upper floor of the monument from where the whole surrounding and marketplace is visible. The building is adorned with lavish balustrades and balconies. Also, one part of the Charminar’s roof consists of a mosque.
Lesser known facts of the Charminar
As per the legend, there is a secret underground tunnel constructed to connect Golconda Fort so that during a siege the king would escape quickly. The location is of the tunnel is still a mystery. It is the very first multi-storey building in Hyderabad.
The monument represents how different religion can co-exist peacefully. It showcases both Masjid and Bhagyalakshmi Temple to convey the message of religious and cultural harmony.
Though the monument is old, it is still standing tall because of its marvellous craftsmanship. Lindt chocolatier Adelbert Boucher created Charminar’s replica using chocolate in 2010, which weighed about fifty kilograms to pay tribute to the fantastic monument. Furthermore, a train named ‘The Charminar Express’ operates between Chennai and Hyderabad.
The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb invaded the city in 1687. He ordered his men to demolish all the building sparing Charminar because of the mosque located on its top floor.
Things to do in Charminar Area
The area where Charminar is located is surrounded by some of the finest grubs and shopping options. Famous and well-known eateries and shopping places which are present in the area are- perfume market, Pathar Gatti for pearls, Laad Bazaar for bangles, jewellery and dupattas.
Nimrah Café and Bakery for Irani Chai, Osmania biscuits, and sulemani. Also, Shadab hotel for haleem, falooda, Kababs, nihari, etc. once done with exploring the tour of Charminar one can enjoy the above-mentioned places and end the day by digging into world-famous Hyderabadi Biryani.
Conclusion
Today, it has been added to the UNESCO World-Heritage Sites. Several festivals are celebrated including the Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. It is also listed in the Archaeological Survey of India.
Preservation and restoring our monument is crucial because it reflects our culture and history. It helps us to comprehend and respect people who lived in a different era with unusual habits and traditions.
For the younger generation, it is a reliving experience where they learn the changes in society over a period of time and the reasons that led to the development of communities and traditions.
With respect to tourism, its beauty and impressive structure attract several tourists all over the place. The economy of the nation gets boosted as it generates revenue. Moreover, local people find work and jobs related to the old historical buildings.
The restoration proves to be environment friendly as fewer materials are required to refurbish the building, and less material is used, which reduces waste. We should be proud that rulers that flourished in that era had a vision and taste for art.
They believed in beauty and nature. Every monument depicts and conveys a message through its spectacular architecture and symmetry. The knowledge, skills and craftsmanship the experts hold at that time leave us with awe and surprise. Hence preserving them will help our country to soar high with respect.
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