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| Raymond's Obelisk tomb,Hyderabad(india) outlooktraveller.com |
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| tomb of Raymond,Musarambagh Hyderabad, reddit.com |
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| Tomb of Raymond telegraphindia.com |
Perched atop a hillock in Malakpet, Hyderabad, the tomb of Michel Joachim Marie Raymond stands as a unique testament to the cosmopolitan history of the Deccan. Known affectionately as Monsieur Raymond, this French mercenary turned French Resident of Hyderabad served Nizam Asaf Jah II with such distinction that his legacy transcended colonial and religious boundaries.
Historical Perspective
Born in 1755, Raymond arrived in India as a soldier of fortune. After stints with Hyder Ali, he rose to prominence in the Nizam’s court, commanding a disciplined army of 14,000. Raymond was a rare figure who "went native," abandoning European lifestyle for local customs. This cultural immersion earned him the devotion of his soldiers and the public; Hindus knew him as "Musa Ram," while Muslims called him "Musa Rahim." His mysterious death in 1798 at the age of 43—rumored to be the result of slow poisoning—left the Nizam deeply saddened. In a secular tribute, the Nizam initiated a tradition of offering cheroots and beer at his grave, a ritual that survived until Indian Independence.
Architecture
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| Raymond' s tomb, Hyderabad, Telangana madrascourier.com |
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| Raymond's tomb newindianexpress.com |
The tomb complex reflects the eclectic spirit of 18th-century Hyderabad. Raymond’s remains lie beneath a grand, flat-roofed pavilion supported by 28 pillars, designed to resemble the Greek "Palace of Winds." Standing adjacent is a striking 7-meter-high obelisk made of black stone, inscribed with the initials "JR" (Joachim Raymond) in flowing italicized script. Nearby lies the tomb of Ann Janet Elizabeth Jenkins and her infant, marked by a similar, though smaller, obelisk. The absence of traditional Christian imagery on Raymond's tomb reinforces the historical narrative of his departure from Western religious orthodoxies.
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| interior Tomb of Raymond,instagram.com |
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| Raymond' s tomb, Hyderabad,instagram.com |
Modern Context and Preservation
Over the decades, the tomb suffered from severe neglect, leading to the pavilion’s collapse in 2001. However, extensive restoration efforts in 2003 and a facelift in 2009 by the Department of Heritage, Telangana, have revitalized the site. Today, the once-isolated hilltop is surrounded by the bustling urban sprawl of Malakpet. Now a protected monument, the complex features manicured gardens and trilingual plaques, serving as a serene reminder of a Frenchman who became an inseparable part of Hyderabadi folklore.
https://madrascourier.com/biography/how-monsieur-raymond-became-musa-ram
K. N. Jayaraman
