Gulzar Houz, Historical fountain near Charminar, Hyderabad, India
Gulzar Houz is an octagonal stone fountain located at the intersection of four major roads, serving as a central point in the old city. The structure connects four historical archways known as Charkaman and defines the geometric center of the inner city.
The fountain was built in 1592 by Mir Momin Astarabadi under Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah's reign and originally served as a water supply for soldiers. The project was part of a larger urban planning effort that shaped and equipped the old city with essential infrastructure.
The fountain sits at the heart of the old city and marks the original plan for Hyderabad's layout. The four archways surrounding it show how the city was intentionally designed around this central point.
The location is central and easily accessible on foot, especially if visiting Charminar or other nearby historical sites. After restoration work in 2023, the structure is well maintained, but be aware that it sits at a busy road intersection with significant traffic.
Originally, four water streams flowed from the fountain and divided each radial road into two sections. This sophisticated system shows advanced engineering knowledge from the 1500s and was a notable technical achievement for its time.
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