Ray of hope for Raymond’s Tomb

Moosarambagh: Michel Joachim Marie Raymond’s name may not ring a bell even for people living in and around Moosarambagh and many who visit the tombstone built in his name feign ignorance, but all this is about to change as the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) and Heritage Telangana (formerly Department of Archaeology) have started the conservation work. The beautification works on the exteriors such as pathways, water bodies, landscaping, CC roads, a toilet block, ticket counter and parking area are being developed by TSTDC. Parshavedi, deputy executive engineer, TSTDC, told The Hans India, that “The work started a month ago and we wish to complete it in the next six months. There would be benches along the pathway.”

The works are being undertaken from the Central government funds under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Rs 3 crore has been allotted for the beautification and conservation of Raymond’s Tomb. Under the scheme, the other monuments that are included are Hayat Bakshi Begum Mosque, Qutb Shahi Tombs and Paigah Tombs. Officials at Heritage Telangana, say that the conservation work on the main tomb which is 200-feet long, 98-feet wide and 26-feet in height would be taken up once the external works are completed. P Anuradha Reddy, convenor, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Hyderabad chapter says, “It is heartening to note that the Raymond’s Tomb is finally getting a facelift. He was loved by one and all. He rose to the rank of a General by sheer dint of hard work.” She further added, “Hindus called him Musa Ram and Muslims Musa Rahim which over a time led to the name Moosarambagh. In these troubled times, the conservation of the tomb is much needed.”

How the conservation of tomb helps
Once the area is developed, anti-social elements who frequent the place will stop, as enough security will be provided after the place gets marked on the tourist map. Locals say that in the year 2001, chunks of lime mortar fell apart and visitors carving their names affected the visual appeal. Around the tomb several colonies have come up who have been complaining of people making nuisance in the evenings. Ashok, a resident said, “After 5 pm, they shut the gates and walk off. There are anti-social elements who trespass the premises by climbing the gates and indulge in anti-social activities like consumption of liquor, playing cards, smoking and creating nuisance in the tomb area.”

BY Asna Khundmiri