Daughter of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah,the founder of Hyderabad. The four majestic arches of theCharkaman, completed in 1594,enclose an impressive piazza with an octagonal cistern at its centre. The names of the arches reveal interesting stories. Machli Kaman or Fish Arch, in the north, got its name from the belief that the fish was a symbol of good fortune for the Qutb Shahi kings. The eastern arch, originally called Naqar Khana-e-Shahi or the House of the Royal Drums, is now well known as the Kali Kaman or the Black Arch. The one on the western side, initially known as Daulat-Khana-e-l3atil.

Mir Momin, the Prime Minister of the Qutb Shahi rulers, had this gateway decorated with a huge tapestry of gold. Next to this arch was a large pillar engraved with holy verses to protect the palace complex from evil. But the Mughals who ruled the area in 1687 destroyed the palaces. The southern gateway now called Mewawala Kaman or Fruit Vendors’ Arch was.originally Charminar Kaman. It was also the entrance to the Jamay Masjid or Royal Mosque. The octagonal cistern, the centreprice of the piazza, has always been dry and the area is nw called Gulzar Hauz with the ante-chambers of the Qutb Shahi palaces being replaced by rows of shops.