Charminar, one of the most famous monuments in India, is located at
Hyderabad. The Charminar was built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah of
Qutub Shahi dynasty in 1591 to commemorate the end of the devastating plague that ravaged his empire.
Hyderabad's principal landmark, the Charminar is 56 m high and 30 m wide. This four-columned structure, with a minaret sitting atop of each column, creates four arches facing the cardinal points. The oldest mosque in Hyderabad is on the 2nd floor of Charminar.
This 400-year-old monument derives its name from the four minarets. It is also known as 'The Arc de triomphe of the East'. Mecca Masjid is south-west of Charminar.
