Deccan Society tries for Charminar stamp, coin
Sept 2, 2016
Heritage trust puts up rare Charminar pictures
The exhibition was held to celebrate the completion of 425 years since the historic monument was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah. The exhibition is on till October 18 at Urdu Hall in Himayatnagar.
Some of the rare photographs include the first time when Charminar was illuminated with electric lights in 1937 on the occasion of 25 years of rule of Osman Ali Khan and a coupon issued by the Nizam to raise money to buy Spitfire fighter aircraft for the Hyderabad Squadron of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
Some photographs bring out the minute differences in Charminar’s architecture like the presence of an ornamental madanah on the east and west faces of the monument which is not seen on the other two sides.
Sketches of the monument made before photography was invented are also part of the exhibition. The oldest sketch dates back to 1840.
The Deccan Heritage Trust demanded that as part of the 425 years of Charminar, the Centre should issue a commemorative stamp and coin to mark the event. The exhibition was scheduled for October 9 but was postponed to Sunday.
It is believed that Mohammed Quli Qutb Shahi, the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty had built the monument to commemorate the end of a deadly plague menace that had gripped the city then. It is located near the bank of the river Musi.
Charminar is derived from two distinct words Char and Minar, which means four towers. Mir Momin Astarabadi of Qutb Shah dynasty played an important role and he ordered extensive preparations for the design and layout.
Historians believe that this structure is an example for Indo-Islamic architecture combined with few Persian elements. The monument is located in the heart of old city and it is believed that Hyderabad was measured in four directions from Charminar for administrative purposes.
A visit to Hyderabad is incomplete without visiting this grand and majestic centerpiece. It is also considered the Arc de Triomphe of the East. Some of the historians say that it was built it in honor of his wife, Bhagyamathi.
There is also legend that tells about the existence of a secret tunnel underneath the monument connecting the fort at Golconda that was created as a means of escape to royal family in an emergency.
Each of the sides measure 20 meters while the minarets are located at a height of 48.7 meters from the ground level. Each side of Charminar opens into a plaza like structure where the giant arches overlook the major thoroughfares. It is a clear square structure that measures 31.95 mts. on each side while imposing arches span a distance of 11mts.
The four minarets rise to a height of 56 mts. The ornamental arches on the minarets enhance the aesthetic value. There are 149 circular steps inside each minaret and one of them is open for tourists to climb and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. It also houses the oldest mosque in Hyderabad with prayer spaces for the devout to worship.
Islamic architecture of those times is marked by arches, minarets, and domes. The structure is famous for its profuse stucco decorations and arrangement of impressive balustrades and balconies. The floral design is executed delicately and stands as a masterpiece to the combination of Mughal and Hindu architecture crafted by the local artisans. The four clocks in four cardinal directions were added in the year 1889. The base of Charminar has a water cistern located at center which consists of a small fountain for ablutions, before the faithful offer prayers in the mosque.
Charminar has become synonymous with the culture of old city of Hyderabad and the area is also a popular destination for lip smacking Muslim dishes, colorful bangles, pearls, jewellry and other items. The place is a symbol of Hyderabadi culture and stands tall and proud as a reminder of the glorious era.
(Telangana Tourism)
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