Part of: Telangana Gk set 12

The founder of Hyderabad city, he also built the Charminar

Category: Telangana Gk

Hint: Consider the historical period and the construction of the Charminar.

Correct Answer: B) Quli Qutub Shah.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The founder of Hyderabad city and the builder of the Charminar is Quli Qutub Shah. Quli Qutub Shah was the first ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which ruled the region of present-day Hyderabad from 1518 to 1687. He established the city of Hyderabad in 1591, and the Charminar, a prominent architectural landmark, was constructed in the same year.

The Qutb Shahi dynasty was a Muslim dynasty that ruled the region of Golconda, which included the area where Hyderabad is now located. Quli Qutub Shah was originally a governor of Golconda under the Bahmani Sultanate but declared independence and established his own dynasty. He chose a site on the banks of the Musi River to build his new capital, which he named Hyderabad, meaning "City of Hyder" (Hyder being a title meaning "lion").

The Charminar, which translates to "Four Minarets," is a monument and mosque located in the heart of Hyderabad. It is known for its four grand arches and four minarets, each standing at 48.7 meters high. The Charminar was built to commemorate the end of a plague that had ravaged the region. It is also believed that Quli Qutub Shah built the Charminar to fulfill a vow he made to the Lord of the Mecca, promising to build a mosque at the very place where he prayed for the end of the plague.

Understanding the historical context of Hyderabad and the Qutb Shahi dynasty is crucial to recognizing the significance of Quli Qutub Shah. He not only founded the city but also left a lasting architectural legacy with the Charminar, which remains a symbol of Hyderabad's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Haider Ali is incorrect. He was a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore and not associated with the founding of Hyderabad or the construction of the Charminar.
  • Option B: Quli Qutub Shah is correct. He founded Hyderabad and built the Charminar in 1591, which is a significant historical and architectural landmark in the city.
  • Option C: Shah Mohammad is incorrect. There is no historical record of a ruler by this name who founded Hyderabad or built the Charminar.
  • Option D: Salarjung is incorrect. The Salarjung family was prominent in Hyderabad during the 19th and 20th centuries, but they did not found the city or build the Charminar.

Mnemonic: Q for Quli, Q for Qutub, Q for the Queen of the city

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