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Hyderabad, Charminar
In the late 16th century Muhammad Quli shifted the Qutb Shahi capital from Golconda to Hyderabad, a newly planned city across the Musi River. The Charminar, an unusual gateway, was the centrepiece of his city. Muhammad Quli's impassioned patronage of the arts also ensured that the city became a centre for painting, poetry, and architecture. This tradition of artistic activity continued at the Hyderabad court through the decline of the Qutb Shahis and even into the early 18th century, under Mughal and Asaf Jahi patronage.