Situated in the heart of Hyderabad, the grand Charminar has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. You can see the four minarets from miles. It is a square structure, each measuring 100 feet and a high central pointed arch. There are numerous small decorative arches arranged vertically as well as horizontally on the whole edifice. The structure has been made elegant by adding the projected canopy, ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster. The Charminar has two galleries, one over other. The exterior of the Charminar is its most beautiful part, surrounded by a thriving market. There are four magnificent arches known as Char Kaman situated near Charminar. They were the gateway to Zilu Khana or antechamber of the royal palace. The arches have been named Machli Kaman, Kali Kaman, Sher Gil Ki Kaman, and Charminar Ki Kaman.

The Nawab/’s collection of European art, glass and Chinese jade, ivory, porcelain, bronzes, illuminated manuscripts and jewelled weapons, including the Empress Noor Jehan/’s bejewelled dagger and the Nawab/’s own diamond-encrusted sword, is now housed in a big government building called the Salar Jung Museum. The collection in the Salar Jung Museum is the labour of love of a single family who had been invested with the title of Salar Jung Bahadur. Today the museum is under a board set up by an Act of Parliament and housed in its own building.