Hyderabad: The imposing Char Kaman — four arches — constructed in 1592 -93, a little away from the Charminar, by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of Qutb Shahi dynasty, crave for attention.
The four arches — Machli Kaman to the north, Charminar Kaman to the south, Kaman-e-Sehar-Batil to the west and the eastern Kali Kaman — have shrubs growing from then, and spot a layer of moss.
According to the historians, the Char Kaman is an example of symmetrical scale. The arches are separated from their centre, the fountain ‘Gulzar Houz’, by 375 feet. The arches are 60 feet tall, 36 feet wide at the base and six feet in thickness.
“During the construction it was ensured that an elephant could pass through it easily. It was part of the ‘urban design scheme’ of the Qutb Shahi rulers,” said historian M.A. Qayyum.
Ms P. Anuradha Reddy, INTACH member, said authorities should take up immediate renovation of the kamans. A few years ago, the Char Kaman were given a coat of whitewash.
The department of archaeology and museums has prepared an estimate of Rs1.48 crore to repair the Char Kaman. Mr Srinivas Reddy, GHMC (South) commissioner, said tenders had been finalised and work would be taken up soon.
The Machli Kamaan drew its name from a big fish hung at its centre every new lunar year, as a symbol of property.
