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The Chand Minar, a minaret of Turkish style, is an
outstanding example of Islamic art. It is one among the notable structures
at Daulatabad, and was built
in 1435 by Ala-ud-din Bahmani to celebrate his capture of the fort. The
tapering 30-metre high tower of the Chand Minar is divided into four
storeys, and was faced with glazed tiles and carved motifs. It has at its
base 24 chambers and a small mosque. Its original covering of Persian blue
tiles makes it even more striking.
The path passes bastions, studded gates, a drawbridge and the Chini Mahal
where Abdul Hasan Tana Shah, the last King of Golconda, was imprisoned in
1687 for 13 years. The 6.6m long 'Kila Shikan' (Fort Breaker) iron cannon
is on the bastion nearby. At the end of the tunnel inside the citadel is a
flight of steps leading up to the 'Baradari' (pavilion), said to be the
palace of the Yadavi Queen and later Shah Jahan. The citadel is reached by
climbing 100 further steps and passing through two more gateways. At the
top is another cannon with a ram's head on the butt; the Persian
inscription around the muzzle reads "Creator of storms".
A 'sound and Light' show is also arranged over here for the entertainment
of the tourists hwo visit this place are curious to know more about its
historical significance.
Aurangabad is well connected by air, rail and road with the important places within and beyond the state. For city transportation taxis and auto rickshaws are available.
Accommodation is available at the hotels in Aurangabad .