The monument was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the eradication of plague, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golkonda to what now is known as Hyderabad. Legends has it that the emperor Quli Qutb Shah prayed for the end of plague and took the vow to build a masjid on that very place. He ordered the construction of the masjid which became popular as Charminar because of its four characteristic minarets possibly depicting the first four khalifs of Islam.
The Charminar is a beautiful and impressive square monument, with each side measuring 20 m, and each of the edges having a pointed high minaret. It derives its name from these four gracefully carved minarets which soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground, commanding the landscape for miles around. Charminar literally means 'Four Spires or minarates..
It is believed there is an underground tunnel connecting Golkonda to the Charminar, to allow the Qutb Shahi royalty to escape during hard times. However, the exact location of the tunnel is unknown. Charminar was once send for best photo challenge and it won the 2nd prize...
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