CHARMINAR MINARET

Prelims level : History Mains level : Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
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Why in News:

  • A large chunk of lime-mortar plaster came crashing down from a minaret of the Charminar causing consternation among locals and passersby.

Details:

  • ASI archaeologist said that the damage has taken place due to the monument’s erosion over a period of time
  • ASI is likely to undertake repairs soon after assessing the damage
  • The plastering on the monument is not original, as it was redone in 1924 by the Nizam (seventh, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Asaf Jahi monarch of the erstwhile state of Hyderabad). Prior to this, the ASI had proposed to study a huge crack in the north-eastern part of the monument to examine the damage and ascertain whether it has affected the structural integrity of the monument.

Charminar:

  • The Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohd. Quli Qutb Shah, the fourth king of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which also built the historic Golconda fort. The 428-year-old monument was built as the foundation of Hyderabad, which founded by Mohd. Quli Qutb Shah, after he decided to shift outside the Golconda fort.
  • It is 426 years old.

Significance:

  • The city was later planned on a grid pattern, around the Charminar, with two main roads that connect the markets of Golkonda with the port city of Machilipatnam intersecting and running North-south and east-west. It is the first multi-storied building in Hyderabad. It also has religious significance and multiple faiths coexist here peacefully. Mecca Masjid and Bagyalakshmi temple lie within the proximity of Charminar which shows the religious harmony of the city. Though it is the personification of Shahi architecture, there are elements of Hindu architecture noticeable on this monument.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

  • The ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the country.
  • The prime objection of ASI is to maintain the archaeological sites, ancient monuments and remains of national importance.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.
  • It functions under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture.
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