If you have come to Hyderabad, you will definitely visit Charminar Hyderabad, but visiting is not enough. The real fun is found by getting lost in the old streets of Charminar. So today let us tell you about some such things, by doing which you can feel the real beauty of Charminar:
Table of Contents
Charminar Hyderabad, Telangana: History
Charminar Hyderabad, India Architecture
If you come to Hyderabad and do not see Charminar, your visit there will be considered incomplete. Charminar is the identity of Hyderabad, a historical monument which has remained the pride of the city flowing in the flow of time for centuries. But it not only holds historical importance, but its beautiful architecture also surprises the onlookers. So let us tell you today some special things about the history and architecture of Charminar:
Pride of Qutubshahi rule
Charminar is an important heritage of the period when the Qutb Shahi dynasty laid the foundation of Hyderabad. It is said that Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, who founded the city of Hyderabad, started building Charminar in 1591 AD in honor of his Begum (wife) Hyder Mahal. Char Minar means four towers. Yes, the specialty of this building is that it has four tall minarets at its four corners.
City of Nizams and center of trade (Nizamon ka Shahr and Vyapaar ka Kendra)
Charminar used to be the center of trade of Hyderabad at that time. There were shops under the arches built all around, where things like silk, pearls, diamonds, gems and spices were available. Even today you will find these items in the streets around Charminar. While roaming here, you will feel as if you have entered the market of ancient times.
Unique example of Indo-Islamic architecture
The beauty of Charminar is worth seeing. A beautiful confluence of Indian and Islamic architectural styles can be seen in its construction. Apart from the tall minarets all around, the carvings on the arches, lattice work and arched arches add to its beauty. It is said that the design of Charminar was inspired by the Kaaba of Mecca.
The mystery of the four minarets of Charminar
The four minarets of Charminar were not built just for beauty. They have their own history and importance. It is believed that each of these four minarets represents a season of that time – summer, winter, rainy and spring. This means that while making the structure of Charminar, care was also taken that air can flow easily in the building.
Next time you go to Hyderabad, do not forget to see Charminar. Seeing this grand monument you will realize the greatness of history and the subtlety of architecture. While roaming here, you can imagine the era of Nizams of Hyderabad and feel the business environment of that time. So get ready to visit, Hyderabad’s Charminar is waiting for you!
Charminar, Hyderabad: Today
The story of the four towers is still known today (The story of the four towers is still known today)
You must have heard about the four minarets of Charminar, but even today these minarets hold many stories within themselves. Some say that these four minarets are symbols of the four seasons, while others say that they show the path of progress in all four directions. Whatever may be the case, these four minarets still stand as strong and remain the identity of Hyderabad.
Charminar should fulfill the passion for food (Khanpan ka Shauk Poora Kare Charminar)
If you have come to Hyderabad and visited Charminar, but ignored the aroma of food everywhere, then understand that you have not seen anything! The streets around Charminar are famous for delicious food. Here you will find the fragrance of Hyderabadi Biryani at every turn of the street. Apart from this, you should also try things like Nizami Dahi Bade, Lucknowi kebabs and Tandoori roti.
The fun of shopping is unique (The fun of shopping is unique)
A special part of Hyderabad’s culture is the fun of shopping here. You will find everything from clothes to pearl shops in the streets around Charminar. Here you can also get beautiful clothes like bangles with silver inlay work and traditional Hyderabadi Attar. Don’t forget to bargain with the shopkeepers at these shops, this is the real fun of shopping in Hyderabad!
Charminar keeps pace with modernity (Aadhunikta ke Saath Kadam se Charminar keeps pace with modernity)
On one hand, Hyderabad holds its history, while on the other hand it is progressing rapidly. You will see these changes around Charminar also. Along with modern shops, you will now also find cafes and restaurants here. But don’t worry, Charminar still retains its old charm.
Festivals to Observe at Charminar Hyderabad
The soul of Hyderabad, Charminar is not just a historical building but the heartbeat of the city. And the heartbeat of this heart becomes even faster every year on colorful festivals. If you are planning to visit Hyderabad, then visiting Charminar during these special festivals is a different experience. So today let us tell you about some such festivals which you can celebrate in a special way in Charminar:
The glory of Ramzan (Ramzan ki Raunak)
The month of Ramzan is a month of happiness in the entire country, but it has a different fun in Hyderabad. The streets around Charminar are illuminated with lights throughout the month of Ramzan. Here you find different types of food stalls, from which the fragrance starts rising as soon as the night falls. Going near Charminar on the night of Eid and seeing the moon and then wishing everyone Eid Mubarak, this is an experience that you will always remember.
Saptami ke Jhoolan
The festival of Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated with great pomp in Hyderabad, and its splendor is worth seeing in the Siyag Temple located near Charminar. During this period, the idol of Ganpati Bappa is decorated in a swing for ten days and devotees come for darshan. Here you can listen to bhajans and kirtans on the beat of drums and also get the Prasad of Modak from Ganpati Bappa.
Sparkle of Diwali
Another special occasion to see the beauty of Charminar is the festival of Diwali. On the day of Diwali, Charminar is decorated with the lighting of lamps. While roaming under this light, you will feel as if Charminar is talking to the sky. Besides, you can also do Diwali shopping in the nearby markets.
Silence of Moharram (Moharram ka Sannata)
The month of Moharram is known for Muharram processions, but a different form of Moharram can be seen in Charminar. During this time, the atmosphere around Charminar becomes somewhat calm. People offer Muharram prayers in sadness. Muharram processions may not take place from Charminar, but the silence here will force you to think seriously about history and religion.
These were just some special festivals, which are celebrated in a special way around Charminar. Apart from this, many festivals are celebrated here with great pomp throughout the year. So next time you come to Hyderabad, do check to see if Charminar is swinging in the excitement of any festival! Who knows, maybe you too will get a chance to join this fun.
Attractions near Charminar Hyderabad
- Chowmahalla Palace: Chowmahalla Palace is located at a short distance from Charminar, which was once the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty that ruled Hyderabad for over 200 years. The grand architecture of this palace will take you to the royal era of the Nizams. Here you can go to the museum and see the things used by the Nizams and also feel like an emperor by visiting their Durbar Hall.
- مکہ مسجد (Mecca Masjid):(Mecca Masjid) is one of the largest mosques in the world and is considered to be the most special Islamic building of Hyderabad. The construction of this mosque started in 1614 AD and it took about 10 years to build it. Here you can see the grand doors made of white marble and the four minarets built in the courtyard of the mosque.
- Laad Bazaar: If you want to take some special things from Hyderabad, then there can be no better place than Laad Bazaar located near Charminar. This market is like Chandni Chowk of Old Delhi, where you will find things like pearls, bangles, clay toys, zari sarees and perfumes. Don’t forget to bargain with the shopkeepers here, this is the real fun of shopping in Hyderabad!
- Salar Jung Museum: The Nizams of Hyderabad not only built grand buildings, but were also great patrons of art and culture. Siag temple is proof of that. This museum was built by Mir Siag Jung of Hyderabad, which has a collection of artefacts from India and around the world. Here you can see Mughal period paintings, Japanese porcelain, Egyptian sculptures and European weapons.
- Telangana State Museum: If you want to know more about the history and culture of Hyderabad, then visit the Telangana State Museum located near Charminar. The museum displays objects of archaeological importance from Telangana, coins of the Kakatiya dynasty, objects from the reign of the Nizams and tribal artefacts.
Things to Do in Charminar Area
- Enjoy eating:
The smell of delicious food keeps coming from the streets around Charminar. Here you will get to eat delicious Hyderabadi Biryani intermittently. Apart from this, do not forget to enjoy Nizami Dahi Bade, Lucknowi Kebab and Tandoori Roti. If you are fond of tea, then definitely drink Irani Chai from here, it will be a different experience.
- Chat over tea:
Hyderabadi people love to drink tea and chat leisurely. You also order tea in an old Irani cafe and start chatting with the people sitting there. You will hear unique stories about Hyderabad.
- Enjoy Shopping (Shopping ka Maza LiJiye):
You will never get tired while roaming in Laad Bazaar. Here you will find things like pearls, bangles, clay toys, zari sarees and perfumes. Don’t forget to bargain with the shopkeepers, this is the real fun of shopping in Hyderabad! Apart from this, you can also take a peek into any old book shop, there you will get the fragrance of history.
- Ride a Rickshaw (Rikshaw ki Sawari KiJiye):
Another unique way to travel around Hyderabad is auto rickshaw. You will find many rickshaws around Charminar. Ask a rickshaw puller to take you around old Hyderabad. And it will take you to such streets that you would not have even thought of.
- View Charminar in the evening:
When the sun starts setting, the Charminar sparkles with light. Charminar looks even more beautiful in this light. You sit at a tea shop and keep looking at this grand monument standing in front of you. You will hear old stories of Hyderabad in the evening breeze.