25th July 2009, 16:56
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| Senior - BHPian  | Hyderabad - Heritage Sites - A Lazy (Nizami) Travelogue Hyderabad is known for its rich history, culture and architecture representing its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and also its multicultural nature, geographically, culturally and intellectually. Also known as The City of Nizams and The City of Pearls. More Information about the city at Hyderabad, India This thread will serve as a guide for visiting the lesser known places in the city. Starting off with Michel Joachim Marie Raymond's Tomb: 20-year-old Michel Raymond left France in 1775 for the Indian shores to become a merchant like his father, but Fate had other plans for him. He joined the French forces in Pondicherry in fighting the British. Their on-and-off skirmishes and Raymond's role in the French victories brought him into the notice of the Nizam of Hyderabad. He joined the Nizam's forces in 1786; a step that was to establish and cement his bonds with Hyderabad and its people, and become a part of its lore. He rose in the ranks rapidly and became a trusted aide of the Nizam, to the extent that a "gora" was given the crucial position of Amin Jinsi or Comptroller of Ordinance. Once he assumed charge, he revolutionized the artillery of the army and established the Gunfoundry, which still stands today as a testimony to his vision. Under his guidance, the Nizam's army became one of the best fortified and most formidable in the entire region. Battle was in his blood, but there was more to this man than just the art of war. Raymond was known far and wide as a good, kind man who never looked down upon the local populace unlike many other foreigners. His bravery, contribution to Hyderabad and his loyalty to the Nizam won him many epithets - to the Muslims he was Musa Rahim, and to the Hindus he was Musa Ram (whence the name Musarambagh). It's no surprise then that when this foreigner died in 1798 at the young age of 43, he was deeply mourned by all. His dear friend the Nizam had a special memorial errected for him on the top of a hillock, and it still stands there today. The tomb is a black granite obelisk, and it has the initials JR on it. At the foot of the tomb lies a Grecian-styled pavillion, which is said to house the graves of his family. At the bottom of the hill lies another obelisk which was built over the remains of Raymond's faithful dog and horse. Even in his death, the people of Hyderabad saw to it that he was surrounded by those he loved and who had loved him back. The years have not been kind to Raymond's memories, with a handful of people knowing the location of the tomb and the stature of the man interred therein. The dilapidated tomb was rebuilt in April 2003, and an open-air theater around the Grecian pavilion was also constructed. And the tomb is still used as a venue for qawwali evenings held in his memory every year. But what you find when you go there today is weeds, graffiti and a sense of desolation. The monogrammed tomb has a thin trickle of visitors, even after the renovation. The few people who do find their way there usually spend more time gazing into the panaromic view of Hyderabad that the hill affords. A cursory glance at the tomb and a few sniff of disdain about the disarray is what Raymond has been reduced to. The story of Michel Raymond stands to become lost to the people of today unless it is retold. Here lies a man who was a saint of sorts to the locals. A lesser known one albeit, but a well-loved one nonetheless. He stands testimony to Hyderabad's multihued culture, and to the friendliness of the locals who took a stranger from a far-off land into their hearts. Source: fullhyd.com How to get there: Going from Malakpet, at the Asmangarh Signals, where the left goes to Amberpet - take a right and go into the lane next to Hotel Sham. The road is steep and climbs crazily, go all the way up and come down the other side. At the bottom of the hill take a left and proceed some 400 mts. Finally you will find a faded grey board pointing to a lane - the Mons Raymond Monument is at the end of that lane lined with houses. (Thanks to Ravveendrra) PICTURES: None of the Locals at Moosarambagh area know about the existence of this tomb! This is the only board which we found. (We got the location after speaking to a policeman at the Malakpet station)  This one picture is sufficient to prove the state of maintenance here!  At the end of this passage, there are encroachments/huts and people are living inside the walls of a Protected monument!   And here's the proof.  Raymond's sister's tomb.   A brief history.    The Tomb.  JR on the tomb.  The rebuilt 28-pillared open structure resembling a Grecian Temple. The caretaker was very knowledgeable and was expressing his helplessness in protecting the monument.    View from the hillock.  TV Tower as seen from the tomb.  The yellow building in the center is the AsmanGadh Palace.   The area around the tomb has turned into a residential colony!    P.S: Inviting All Hyderabad T-BHPians to contribute to this thread. (We need to organize another heritage trip) P.S 2: This thread will be updated in true Nizam Style. (to be interpreted as - There won't be frequent updates.) |
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25th July 2009, 17:59
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| Senior - BHPian  | |
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25th July 2009, 18:05
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25th July 2009, 20:00
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25th July 2009, 20:09
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| Distinguished - BHPian   | Superb Pictures Nazim. Though been through all these areas several times in the past but could never imagine the rich history behind each one of these places. Great job of uncovering the same and credit goes to Ravvs, Hillram and yourself |
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25th July 2009, 20:11
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| Senior - BHPian | Map - to Erragadda! Quote:
How to get there: Going from Malakpet, at the Asmangarh Signals, where the left goes to Amberpet - take a right and go into the lane next to Hotel Sham. The road is steep and climbs crazily, go all the way up and come down the other side. At the bottom of the hill take a left (look for a direction board to a church) and proceed some 400 mts. Finally you will find a faded grey board (pic posted here by Pulsar56) pointing to a lane - the Mons Raymond Monument is at the end of that lane lined with houses. Further tip: reverse into the lane and park as turning around in the lane is a real pain. Cheers, | |
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25th July 2009, 22:50
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| BHPian  Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: hyderabad
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25th July 2009, 23:14
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25th July 2009, 23:24
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25th July 2009, 23:45
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26th July 2009, 00:38
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| BHPian  Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto
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26th July 2009, 10:45
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26th July 2009, 11:46
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| BHPian  | Well written, and quite entertaining. I do agree with everyone about the state of archeological sites in India (more specifically, Hyderabad). I can confidently say that there is not a single monument in Hyderabad which isn't falling apart, has trees growing from the roof, with lovers engraving their name, unhygienic surroundings, and overall horrendous maintenance . I wonder what our grandchildren will have left to see if the preservation of these prestigeous sites continues this this fashion.  and Nazim, any idea if the AsmanGadh Palace is open for viewing? or is it just as dilapidated as the Gererals Tomb, and no one has ever heard about it? Last edited by discobiscuit : 26th July 2009 at 11:48. |
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27th July 2009, 15:47
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| BHPian  Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hyderabad
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27th July 2009, 15:58
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