Charminar Hyderabad

Charminar is famous landmark of Hyderabad. Foundation of the Charminar was laid down in the year 1589 by Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah who was fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Shah is said to have prayed here for eradication of cholera which was taking heavy toll of population in the area. Charminar is at the intersection of roads leading to Golconda & Machilipatanam. Both were important trading centers of that era. 

Construction of Charminar was completed in 1592. Around Charminar the city of Hyderabad was developed as capital city in place of Golconda. An interesting folklore says that Shah built the place in memory of Bhagmati whom he met here. Later after conversion Bhagmati became his queen though history guys do not agree with this theory. As at present ASI looks after this monument.
Some snaps: 

Charminar is a square building each side being 20 mtr long & having high arches. Second floor has a mosque 

Lovely high arches in Indo-Islamic style. Persian architect Mir Momin Astarwadi  had an important role in design & construction. The monument is made of granite, lime stone, mortar & pulverised marble. Pulverised marble used in thick plaster gives a smooth & shiny touch 

Clocks were installed on four sides in 1889 

Each Minar is 160 feet high and has two balconies & a dome on the top 

Surrounding area of Charminar is full of small shops & restaurants. On holidays the place is overcrowded  

'Fill this city of mine with people as, 
You filled the river with fish O Lord'
said Qutb Shah in his couplet while laying the foundation of Charminar