Hyderabad. The city that is famous for serving a ravishing preparation of Biriyani, pearls and gems among which the Koh-i-Noor is a mantle, bakeries which dishes out the instantly favorite cookies and pastries, the city with a history as well as one that is one of the flagships of the Indian IT industry. Going to a city with such a varied mix of attractions, I had my own speculations and expectations. Hyderabad was far away from the disappointment.
The first thing that resonates when you hear the word Hyderabad is Charminar. It’s a beautiful mosque turned in to monument with local bazaars around.
I make my way towards Charminar, its four minarets casting a watchful eye over the neighbourhood. Walking through the narrow shopping lanes branching out from this tower is a sensory overload, pleasurable in a way that is purely Indian.
Brief
Charminar has a square structure which is 20 metres long with minarets at the four corners; The spiral staircase inside the minarets has 149 steps leading to the top with 12 landings. The double screen of arches on the roof and ornamental arches on the miniarts add to the aesthetic value. The notable feature of Charminar is the location of mosque on the western section of the second floor, probably one of the most beautifull of this period. There are forty five mushallas(prayer spaces) with an open courtyard in fronts. The structure is also known for its profuseness of stucco decorations and arrangements of balustrades and balconies. The floral designs are varied and delicately execute. It was synthesis of Mughal and Hindus architecture executed by local artisans. There are vanous theories regarding the purpose for which Charminar was constructed. However, it is widely accepted that Charminar was built at the center of the city, to commemorate teh eradication of plague.
What I did?
Sitting in the auto at Charminar, staring out at the chaotic congregation outside, I lay in wonder how the cogs work together to keep the machinery in place, if at all there is one for these patches of areas in India. Markets, hawkers, peddlers, vendors, pedestrians, two-wheelers, cattle, auto rickshaws- all seemed to compliment each other in the chaotic assemble of daily life. How do such random plethora of activities go about in unison, should be a matter of research! Getting down, the first sight met with Islamic architectures. Walking on, I crossed over to the other end of the monument. The Charminar was now visible in its strategic glory and prominence in the area. One floor of Charminar is open for visitors with the payment of Rs 5 & rs 100 for foreigners. There are several floors in this building but only one is open for public, from there one can see the whole market surrounding this building.
One side of the minar has hospital “Nizam General Hospital (Unani)” Just opposite to hospital is Mecca Masjid. Historical fact: It was constructed using blocks made from soil brought from Islam’s holy land of Mecca. I mean WOW! Other side is food market.
The streets had all kinds of shops selling items like ‘itar‘- a strong perfume, or the famed bangles available in the area. It seemed like a street shopping arcade that would surely draw the fancy of women.
When at Charminar don’t forget to stop at Nimrah café and bakery, an Iranian chai point, right next to Mecca Masjid.
When atop the Charminar, you can’t help but look down the beautiful old city of Hyderabad that surrounds it and be mesmerised. This place is a melting pot that is always abuzz with people from all walk of life.
Somewhere between Charminar and Biryani I fell in love with the city!
♥
Divya
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