HYDERABAD: Tucked away in the colonies of Asmangadh in Moosarambagh near Dilsukhnagar in the city, the obelisk of one of the most popular generals of the second Nizam continue to cry for attention. The obelisk is a seven metre tall black granite tombstone with initials ‘JR’ engraved in it. The tomb is that of General Michel Joachim Marie Raymond, also known as Monsieur Raymond’s Tomb. “Monsieur Raymond was someone liked by all. In fact, he was well respected by the Nizam himself that he was allowed to wear English clothes in his Durbaar,” said Md Safiullah, noted historian and managing trustee of the Deccan Heritage Trust.
Infact such was his popularity that Monsieur Raymond, was Musa Rahim to the muslims and Musa Ram to the Hindus of erstwhile state of Hyderabad.
Throwing more light into the life and death of Monsieur Raymond, Safiullah says the French man had arrived in India as a merchant and joined the Nizam’s army later on. He passed away in his 40s but during his lifetime had gathered the love and respect of not only the Nizam but also of the people, he adds.
However, the name has fallen into oblivion since and just like the previous 258 years, the General’s birth anniversary on September 25, went unnoticed. The fact that landmark localities of Moosarambagh and Gun Foundry were named after recognising the contributions of the French man remain irrelevant to many. Rather shockingly, the French man’s obelisk is known as “Ghode ki Khabar”- meaning a horse’s grave, in the neighbourhood. What is saddening is no signage boards lead to the monument which is situated about 200 metres away from the main road. A watch-man posted to ward away miscreants from desecrating the monuments is mostly out of sight.
Only a small ‘wicket gate’ on the main iron gate leads one into the premises.
However, the monument is in the process of getting a facelift if one goes by the official claims. The monument which was allegedly a hub of anti-social elements till a few years ago, is under the process of regaining its lost glory. In the custody of Department of Archaeology and Museums, the restoration works at the monument is currently underway. Lime plastering and solar-fencing works were undertaken a few years ago following the collapse of a pavilion adjacent to the obelisk in 2001. At present, a walker’s pathway is being developed around the tomb at the moment and plans are being worked out to create a garden in the 30 acres premises.
“We are developing a walker’s pathway around the monument. The levelling works have been completed and we will soon be starting the cement-concrete works for the pathway,” said an official with the department, adding that, railing works around the monument are already completed. The present batch of works have been going on for about two months and are valued at Rs 30 lakhs.
Those who live in the area are hopeful that once the restoration works are completed, the tomb will start attracting more visitors. A resident of the locality, said, “At the moment there are hardly any visitors. But if they develop a walkers pathway around the tomb, it will be frequented by people in the neighbourhood at least twice a day.”