Hyderabad’s historic Char Kaman to undergo restoration, conservation and heritage lighting
Hyderabad’s historic Char Kaman, comprising four Qutb Shahi-era gateways near the Charminar, is set for comprehensive structural restoration and conservation. The project will include heritage-compatible repairs, structural strengthening and specialised night illumination while retaining the structures’ original architectural character.
Hyderabad: The historic Char Kaman, the four ornamental gateways near the historic Charminar, is set to undergo comprehensive structural restoration and conservation, with administrative sanction granted to invite tenders and appoint expert consultants for the project.
A dedicated allocation of about Rs. 3.64 crore had earlier been earmarked for repairs to Machli Kaman by the civic authorities, underscoring the need for comprehensive intervention across the entire Char Kaman precinct.
The restoration will cover the four 16th-century Qutb Shahi gateways — Machli Kaman, Kali Kaman, Sher-e-Batil Kaman and Charminar Kaman. The proposed works will focus on structural strengthening, conservation of heritage features and repairs using traditional, heritage-compatible techniques such as lime mortar.
The project also includes plans for specialised architectural night illumination of the Char Kaman and Charminar precinct. The move is aimed at improving the condition and visual appeal of the historic structures while retaining their original architectural character.
The Char Kaman complex traces its origins to the Qutb Shahi period. Hyderabad was founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who commissioned the Charminar in the late 16th century. The Charminar is generally dated to 1591, while historians believe the four gateways were constructed a few years later, around 1594.
The four arches were built around the public square known as Jilau Khana, which served as the royal vestibule and formed the entrance to the Qutb Shahi palace complex. At the centre of the square was the Char-Su-Ka-Houz, also known as Gulzar Houz, a freshwater fountain. The four arches were positioned in the four directions — Machli Kaman to the north, Kali Kaman to the east, Sher-e-Batil Kaman to the west and Charminar Kaman to the south.
Historical accounts suggest that the complex originally functioned as a formal entrance to the royal palace area. Noblemen and officials would gather at the surrounding outhouses before proceeding through the royal vestibule for audiences with the ruler. The arches also had chambers at their ends, which were believed to have been used by royal guards.
The gateways were known by different names in the past. Historical accounts refer to the western arch as Daulat Khana-e-Ali, meaning the gate of the royal residence, and the eastern arch as Naqqar Khana, associated with the palace where drums were played.
Over time, the arches came to be popularly known as Machli Kaman, Kali Kaman, Sher-e-Batil Kaman and Charminar Kaman. Machli Kaman, or the Fish Arch, is associated with the traditional display of a large fish-shaped structure during the lunar New Year. Kali Kaman, the Black Arch, stands to the east, while the western gateway is associated with the names Sher Dil and Sihr Batil.
The Char Kaman and the surrounding precinct have suffered deterioration over the decades due to intense urbanisation, pollution, traffic and the pressure of commercial activity. Heritage conservationists have repeatedly stressed the need for scientific conservation of the structures.
