Char Kaman and Charminar Complex

About Char Kaman and Charminar Complex

• Build by: The Charminar was built between 1589 and 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
• It is a square shaped structure with four pillars, one on each side and intricate carvings.
• Architecture:
  • Inspired by: The architectural design of Charminar is inspired from the Shia “tazias”. 
  • Material used: It has been built with granite and lime mortar.
  • Four Pillars: The four pillars around Charminar represent the four caliphs.  These pillars or minars are 48.7 meters high.
    • These are four stories, with each floor divided by intricately carved rings that surround it.
    • On the top floor of Chaminar there is a mosque which is believed to be the oldest mosque of Hyderabad city.
    • Attached to these is the open space which can be used to accommodate more people on occasions like Friday prayers or festivals. 
  • Design: The Char Kaman feature distinctive Qutb Shahi architectural motifs, with pillars crafted to resemble lotus leaves.
  • In the year of 1889, four clocks were also added on all the four sides of the structure.
• About Char Kaman: The four ornamental gateways that lead to the Charminar, called the Char Kaman.
  • It was built around 1594.
  • Architecture: The four arches had different names: The arches Machli Kaman, Kali Kaman, Sher-e-Batil Kaman, and Charminar Kaman mark the four entrances to the historic city surrounding Charminar.
  • Signficance: The arches marked the entrances to the city of Hyderabad.  The adjoining outhouses were used as a sitting place for the nobles and officials.