Hyderabad: “There is no edifice like Charminar in the whole city which appears so splendid to eyes,” remarked French traveller Monsieur Thevenot way back in 1666 AD. It is still captivating, the edifice with architectural finesse having a charm of its own. What lets it down, though, is its poorly maintained surroundings that ill suits the monument’s historic aura and magnificence.
Vendors on pavements add to the near-chaotic environs around Charminar.
For four centuries, Charminar stood the test of time, vagaries of nature and manmade destruction. Yet, it remains as one of the elegant, world-renowned structures in this city. So much so, the city’s name is synonymous with Charminar.
Thanks to constant conservation and restoration works by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is the custodian of Charminar and the Golconda Fort, both in Telangana State, the monument remains a star attraction, visitors filing past or walking in, in a steady stream.
Nearly 5,000 people, domestic and foreign tourists as also locals, visit the monument in the Old City area daily; and an added attraction is the shopping arcades nearby, the famed Lad Bazaar, famous for its lac bangles.
N. Taher, superintending archaeologist, ASI Hyderabad Circle, told this newspaper that iconic structures Charminar and Golconda remain the most-visited attractions here.
According to Ch. Babji Rao, assistant superintending archaeologist, registering officer for both AP and TS units of ASI, the department has recommended Charminar for the Best Conservation Practices award from the Centre.
The monument is going strong and might live on as a sentinel to society for more centuries if it is saved from man-made and natural vagaries. ASI is doing its best to improve its longevity through conservation and restoration, Babji Rao said.
The Archaeological Survey of India has added illustrative signages in four languages at Charminar, not only to interpret the backdrop of the monument but also educate visitors about the activities within the historical precincts and the significance of the site.
