Charminar

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

---

Charminar in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, is a grand 16th‑century monument and mosque located right in the heart of the city, built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 when he founded Hyderabad as the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. Standing about 20 meters on each side, it is a square‑shaped structure with four soaring minarets, each around 49 meters tall, which give it its name meaning “four minarets” in Persian. The building is a fine example of Indo‑Islamic architecture, combining Persian influences with local styles, and contains arched doorways and a small mosque on the upper floor that has been in continuous use for over four centuries. According to local legend, it was built to mark the end of a severe plague and to give thanks to God, and today it symbolizes Hyderabad’s heritage and is incorporated into the official emblem of Telangana state. Surrounded by bustling markets, food stalls, and jewelry shops, Charminar remains one of the most iconic landmarks in India and a focal point for both tourists and locals.