Part of: Telangana Gk set 3

The Charminar monument in Hyderabad was made by?

Category: Telangana Gk

Hint: Consider the historical period and the ruler of the region when the Charminar was built.

Correct Answer: A) Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Charminar is a significant historical monument located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is a symbol of the city and a prominent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The monument was constructed in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who ruled over the region at that time. The Qutb Shahi dynasty was a Shia Muslim dynasty that ruled over the region of present-day Hyderabad and parts of southern India from the 16th to the 17th century.

The construction of the Charminar was initiated by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the end of a deadly plague that had affected the city. The name "Charminar" translates to "Four Minarets" in Persian, referring to the four grand minarets that adorn the monument. Each minaret stands at a height of 48.7 meters and is crowned with a bulbous dome. The Charminar is built on a square base with each side measuring 20 meters, and it is constructed primarily of granite, limestone, mortar, and pulverized marble.

The monument is not only a historical landmark but also a significant religious site. It is believed that the four minarets represent the four cardinal points of the compass, and the 149 small domes on the roof symbolize the 149 mosques that were once part of the city. The Charminar is surrounded by a bustling market and is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to admire its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Understanding the historical context of the Charminar is crucial for recognizing its importance in the history of Hyderabad and the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The monument stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of the Qutb Shahi rulers and continues to be a symbol of the city's rich heritage.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, commissioned the construction of the Charminar in 1591. The monument was built to celebrate the end of a deadly plague that had affected the city of Hyderabad.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal, did not have any direct involvement in the construction of the Charminar. The Charminar predates the Taj Mahal by several decades.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Muhammad Shah Rangile was a Mughal emperor who ruled in the 18th century, long after the construction of the Charminar. He had no connection to the monument's construction.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Farrukhsiyar was a Mughal emperor who ruled in the early 18th century, well after the construction of the Charminar. He had no involvement in the monument's creation.

Mnemonic: CQ: Charminar and Qutab Shah

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