Interior of the Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana

Inside the ancient stone walls. Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana

Standing tall in the heart of Hyderabad, Telangana, is the Charminar, meaning 'Four Minarets,' each honouring the first four caliphs of Islam. This monument is on the eastern bank of the Musi River, with the famous Laad Bazaar to the west and the Makkah Masjid to the southwest. Built in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the Charminar is an architectural marvel shrouded in legend.

What does the Charminar symbolise? The true purpose behind its creation remains a mystery. It is commonly believed that this grand square-shaped structure was constructed in honour of Qutb Shah's wife, Bhagmati. Another widely accepted belief is that the Charminar was built to mark the end of a devastating plague that had gripped the city. It is said that the Sultan fervently prayed for his people's relief, and when the epidemic subsided, he commissioned this monument as an expression of gratitude to Allah. The site is a focal point of major celebrations, especially during Eid-ul-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, given its proximity to the revered Makkah Masjid.