CONTENT

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO HISTORIC ZONE

1.2 DEFINING THE HISTORIC ZONE OR HISTORIC DISTRICT

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF HISTORIC DISTRICT OR HISTORIC ZONE
1.4 CHRONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE & CHANGING

CHAPTER 2 –

2.1

2.2
2.3
2.4
1.1 BACKGROUND TO HISTORIC ZONE
The Charminar (lit. "four minarets"), constructed in 1591, is a monument and mosque located
in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The landmark has become known globally as a symbol of
Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognized structures in India. It has also been officially
incorporated as the Emblem of Telangana for the state of Telangana. The Charminar's long
history includes the existence of a mosque on its top floor for more than 400 years. While both
historically and religiously significant, it is also known for its popular and busy local markets
surrounding the structure, and has become one of the most frequented tourist attractions in
Hyderabad. Charminar is also a site of numerous festival celebrations, such as Eid-ul-
adha and Eid al-Fitr.

LOCATION MAP – HYDERABAD, TELANGANA

(Source – Google Map)

The Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi river. To the west lies the Laad Bazaar, and to
the southwest lies the richly ornamented granite Makkah Masjid. It is listed as an archaeological
and architectural treasure on the official "List of Monuments" prepared by the Archaeological
Survey of India. The English name is a translation and combination of
the Urdu words chār and minar or meenar, translating to "Four Pillars"; the eponymous towers
are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches.
HISTORY
The Charminar was established more than four centuries ago by the
fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, namely Sultan Muhammad Quli
Qutub Shah. He commissioned the construction of this grand mosque
in the year 1591 after he shifted his capital from Golconda to
Hyderabad, which was a newly formed city.
There are several theories as to why Qutub Shah constructed this
towering mosque right in the middle of his new capital. According to
some historians, the Sultan was forced to shift his capital due to the
epidemic of cholera that was killing thousands of his subjects at that
time. He prayed to the Almighty and vowed to construct a mosque if
the misery of his people came to an end. The Charminar was built to
honor this pledge once cholera was eradicated from the city.
MONUMENTS

The Charminar, the Mecca Masjid and the Chowmhalla Palace hold a great significance in all
aspects and hold the famous heritage walk is conducted in the old city of Hyderabad.

Charminar
The Charminar was built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in
the year 1951. Made of granite and lime mortar, the
structure depicts the indo- Arabian architecture. It is this
monument which has come to symbolize the city of
Hyderabad.
The monument consists of four minarets which stand tall as
the examples of the regal antiquity that the place possesses. Now surrounded by shops all
around, the Charminar is a famous tourist spot in the city too.
Location: Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana

Mecca Masjid
A little south west of the great Charminar, the Mecca Masjid
is the biggest mosque of Hyderabad. This distinguished
monument of Hyderabad took nearly 77 years to get
completed.
The construction of this place which started in the reign of
Muhammed Qutub Shah was stretched to the reigns of
Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abdul Hasan Tana Shah and finally completed by the Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb in the year 1694.
Location: Near Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad
Chowmhalla Palace
Sprawling courtyards, impeccable architecture and unending
tourist footfall, the Chowmahalla Palace in Hyderabad promise
it all. Though only some parts of the palace are open to the
public, yet they are enough to mesmerize the tourists with
their sheer charm and grace.
Believed to be the banquets for the Nizam in its time, this
complex comprises for four sections namely the Mahtab Mahal, Aftab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal
and the Afzal Mahal.
Location: 20-4-236, Motigalli, Khilwat, Hyderabad

GOLCONDA SULTANATE (1591–1687 CE)

Qutb Shahi architecture of the 16th and early 17th centuries followed classical Persian
architecture featuring domes and colossal arches. Inscriptions in Persian and elaborately carved
stucco work are found on most of these buildings. The oldest surviving Qutb Shahi structure in
Hyderabad is the ruins of Golconda fort built in the 16th century.
The most important monuments from this time are the Charminar and Mecca Masjid, both built
by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad. Most of the historical bazaars that
still exist were constructed on the street north of Charminar towards the fort. The Charminar
has become an icon of the city, located in the center of old Hyderabad. It is a square structure
with sides 20 m (66 ft) long and four grand arches each facing a road. At each corner stands a
56 m (184 ft)-high minaret.
To the north of the Charminar is a public square enclosed by four giant arches, known as the
Char Kaman.A fountain called Gulzar Houz is at the center of this area.
MUGHAL PERIOD (1687–1724 CE)
The only significant architectural contribution during the brief Mughal rule in Hyderabad was
the construction the city wall of Hyderabad, constructed out of granite in typical Mughal
defence architecture. The wall had twelve gateways, each wide enough for an elephant to pass
through.
NIZAMS OF HYDERABAD (1724-1948 CE)
The Nizams of Hyderabad ruled between the 18th and 20th centuries as vassals of the British
Empire. Therefore, European architectural styles became prevalent during this period.
Apart from the Nizams’ palaces, the noble families built their own palaces and mansions in
Indo-European styles.
1.2 DEFINING THE HISTORIC ZONE OR HISTORIC DISTRICT
STUDY AREA – CHARMINAR PLAZA
The conservation study around Charminar
Plaza including streets and markets which are
of historic and heritage signification.

CRITERIA OF SELECTION
 Visible only in fleeting glimpses from the thousands of vehicles plying around it.
Bustling Marketplace
 Crowded at all times of the day.
 Residents and Tourists make up the crowd. Lively, Authentic Old City Experience with
narrow lanes, lots of stalls, markets, and heritage buildings.
 Gabble of electric lines.
 Disarray of signs
 Encroachments of all kinds
SORROUNDING
The area surrounding Charminar is also known by the same name. It falls under the Charminar
constituency.

Makkah Masjid
The monument overlooks another grand mosque called
the Makkah Masjid. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the 5th
ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, commissioned bricks to be
made from the soil brought from Mecca, the holiest site
of Islam, and used them in the construction of the central
arch of the mosque.

Lad Bazaars
A market exists around Charminar. Lad Bazaar is known for
its jewelry, especially bangles, and the Pathar Gatti, which
is known for its pearls. In its heyday, the Charminar market
had some 14,000 shops. The Bazaars surrounding
Charminar were described in the poem "In the Bazaars of
Hyderabad" by Sarojini Naidu.

Char Kaman
Four arches to the north of Charminar are known as Char
Kaman. These were built along with the Charminar in the
16th century. These are the Kali Kaman, Machli
Kaman, Seher-e-Batil ki Kaman and Charminar Kaman. The
Char Kaman are in dire need of restoration, and protection
from encroachments.

Gulzar Houz
Gulzar Houz is a historical fountain located near Charminar.
The fountain is in the middle of the road between
Charminar and Madina building.

Government Nizamia General Hospital

Popularly known as Government Unani Hospital is a public
hospital located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is a
hospital for general medicine and Unani medicine. It was
established during the reign of Nizams. It is located near
the historic Charminar.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF HISTORIC DISTRICT OR HISTORIC ZONE
The city had two major axial centres. On one, Charminar was constructed in the year 1593 A. D.
while on the other was marked by the char Kaman (four arches), north of Charminar, each 60
feet high, 36 feet wide at the base and 6 feet thickness, facing the four cardinal points,
separated from the centre by about 375 feet in each case. These arches served as gateway to
the Jilu Kaman (ante Chamber) or the Royal Palaces. These arches are named Machli Kaman
North, Naqqar Khana-e-Kaman- East (now known as the Kali Kaman), Sah-e-bati l Ki Kaman
(west) and Charminar Ki Kaman- South (presently called the Char Kaman). Exactly in the centre
of these kamans (arches) was built a large octagonal cistern provided with jets of water called
Char- Su- Ka Hauz, which is now called Gulzar Hauz.

MECCA MASJID - 1617

 Principal Mosque of Hyderabad.
 Second Largest Mosque in India.
 Establishment of strong Muslim hold in the
region.
 Signature of Islamic Architecture.
PATHARGATTI STREET

 Major commercial precinct.

 Intensification of the old city core.
 A result of multiple interventions.

1880 2012
THE STREET BAZAARS IN THE CHARMINAR AREA
Throughout the day and evening the Charminar streets remain an active commercial place, but
again in the late evening they are occupied by the residents. Hence the street is not a linkage
from one area, but it is also a playground for children, a workplace for women, a place for
meeting and gossiping and a place for commercial activities.
1.4 CHRONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE & CHANGING
URBAN CONTEXT
EVOLUTION OF THE CITY

INITIAL PLAN OF HYDERABAD MASTER PLAN 1980

DEVELOPMENT PLAN TIMELINE

1912 - City Improvement Board
1911-1948 - Osman Ali Khan Asaf Jah VII
cultural, economic and administrative
reforms
1947-1950 - Post Independence
1956 - Division of state on linguistic basis
1960-1980 - Inflow of Telugu’s to the city
1990 - Globalisation
1995 - Rising IT Revolution
2000-2012 - World Class Information
Technology Location
1912 - City Improvement Board
 CHARMINAR

MECCA MASJID

PATHARGATTI STREET