Charminar is situated in Hyderabad, the capital city of the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. A magnificent edifice, it's a landmark in the city and marks its 400 years of history. Often called "The Arc de triomphe of the East", the Charminar, is an impressive square monument with four minarets.

Origin
The Charminar is a massive arch built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the erstwhile Qutub Shahi Sultan of Golconda, in 1591, to commemorate the end of the plague in the city. The history of Hyderabad starts with the formation of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Due to the scantiness of water and recurrent epidemics of plague and cholera, the monarch built the novel city with the Charminar as it center with four great roads fanning out in four important directions.

A Representation Of Indo-Sarcenic Tradition
It was built with granite and lime-mortar. It is a blend of 'Cazia' and Islamic style of architecture. The intertwined arches and domes are examples of typical Islamic style of the architecture. The graceful floral motif atop the Charminar is enchanting. The Charminar depicts the Indo-Saracenic tradition - a symbiosis of the Hindu and the Muslim traditions, which has woven the magic of a rich Deccan culture. The Charminar looks spectacular particularly in the nights when it is illuminated.

It offers an excellent panoramic view of the city and Golconda Fort, which makes the mind go back into time and recapitulates the past glory of Hyderabad during the Qutub Shahi times. Charminar has become an inseparable part of the history of Hyderabad