Intro: It is responsibility of the politicians of all hues and the intelligentsia to protect and preserve the Charminar.
The 180 feet tall Charminar with its four magnificent arches and minarets is protecting Hydera-bad’s rich cultural heritage and inspiring thousands of sustainable economic activities. Charminar is the mute witness to the immortal love between the Muslim ruler, Qutb Shah and the Banjara girl, Bhagmati. As per the folklore, Prince Qutb Shah crossed the flooded river Musi in a tempestuous night to rescue Bhagmati on the other side of the river—a feat which was beyond human capacity. The folklore is so romantic that it could be an ideal plot for a Bollywood block buster. Today the once beautiful river Musi has become a garbage dump. It no longer has the glorious flow reflecting the moon light. The river Musi is the witness to the glorious day of the Indian kings and monarchs.
In the 17th Century AD, Hyderabad became a centre of trade and culture linking Golkonda and the port city Musulipatnam. The city which was originally known as Bhagyanagar had passed through the Mauryan era, the rules of the Satavahana and the famous Isshvaku dynasty. The Salarjung museum on the bank of the river Musi and the Birla museum preserve the artifacts of those glorious eras. The famous Mecca Masjid, Nizam Palace, Falaknuma Palace, Shivji Temple and Bhagya Laxmi Temple around Charminar attract large number of pilgrims and tourists. Though big brand shops and fast food points pop up around Charminar, the traditional Hyderabadi Biryani, Paaya Nahari, Khubani ka Meetha, Double ka Meetha, dry fruits from Arab world, and a wide range of pearl sets, exquisite banjara craft, lacquer bangles, sarees and dresses with delicate jardogi work attract the viewers. The Laad Bazaar pearl market is the main attraction here. The pearl market can redouble its turn over if it seriously works to improve its credibility as genuine pearl dealers. A visit to Charminar is not complete unless one tastes the delicious Hyderabadi Biryani. In Ram-zan month, one can cherish the famous Haleem- an Arabic dish prepared from meat, wheat and lentil. As long as the quality of those eatables is maintained, it will continue to generate income for the local people.
Food items hardly impress religious devout who looks for artistic Kalam while some people hunt for ancient coins. Some look for animal parts for black magic. Nearly 60 artisans hammer out thin silver foil used for preparation of sweet, Ayurvedic and Unani medicines. Here the Unani doctor Dr Mir Tihar Ali serves 50 to 60 patients daily as he sets bones and applies Unani medicine for a nominal charge. Everybody loves to live in a culture which inspires a gamut of self sustainable economic activities.
It is the responsibility of the politicians of all hues and the intelligentsia to protect and preserve the city’s cultural heritage as well as its economic activities. Life and livelihood around Charminar should continue.
—Sudhansu R Das from Hyderabad
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