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˜Charminar' literally meaning four pillars is the main historical landmark of Hyderabad in India. Sounding like a cliché ? It is indeed! Whenever we think of the four hundred year old city of Hyderabad, the image of the colossal edifice of Charminar comes in our mind. The term Charminar has really become synonymous with the city in India. Imagining Hyderabad without Charninar is like imagining Paris without Eiffel Tower or New York without the Statue of Liberty! Since yore Char Minar has played a pivotal role in the history of Hyderabad. The enormous, solid edifice was erected by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah when he shifted his capital from Golkonda to the site now regarded as Hyderabad in 1591. This imposing structure situated at the heart of the city is built in granite, mortar, lime. It is said that pulverised marble was also used to build it. When you see the Char Minar from a distance, it seems firm and sturdy but once you move closer you will discover its charm and the hidden aesthetic features. When you will notice the structure closely you can view the intricate carvings in its pillars. You will surely marvel at the artwork! There is architectural significance in every detail and dignity. Over the years, Char Minar has also emerged as the cultural site of the city. The structure of the Char Minar is squarish and has four soaring towers in the four corners, known as minars, hence the name Char Minar. The sides of the edifice are 20 metres in length and each side opens into a square like place with gigantic arches. These arches are 11 metres wide and rises 20 metres to the apex from the platform and overlook the four main boulevards. Each of the four minarets houses four storeys that resemble an intricately carved ring around the minaret. At the western end of the roof of Charminar you will find a beautiful mosque which is probably the oldest in Hyderabad. The Charminar is sometimes known as the Arc de Triomphe of the East.
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