300-year-old Armenian cemetery near Charminar closed to visitors
Hyderabad: Tourists and history enthusiasts exploring Hyderabad’s heritage sites will no longer be able to visit the 300-year-old Armenian cemetery in the vicinity of Charminar as it has been closed to visitors.
The cemetery is under the care of the Department of Heritage (formerly Department of Archaeology and Museums). Visitors can approach the Director of Heritage Office to obtain permission before visiting the cemetery.
Armenian cemetery, also known as Uppuguda Armenian cemetery, remained neglected for years. A decade ago, the cemetery of Armenians was opened for the general public and tourists by the State Archaeology and Museums.
The cemetery which remained unknown to the general public was brought to light by Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb, a historian from the city in 1970. While researching about the history of Hyderabad, Shakeb found a letter written by British Resident W. Haig in Hyderabad to a government official in 1907 about the Armenian cemetery. He informed the administration about it and the place was located and identified.
State Archaeology and Museums took up the renovation work with an allocated fund of Rs. 25 lakh. The authorities tried to retain character of the precinct using granite, lime and mortar. They also took great care to restore the basalt stones with Armenian engravings on the graves.
According to historian’s accounts, several Armenian traders came to India between the 16th and 17th centuries and travelled through Persia, Afghanistan and Tibet. However, some of them settled in Hyderabad during the 17th century. Not much is known about their activities, traditions and social conditions.
The 17th century cemetery is a resting place for about 19 Armenians and one Dutch trader. Two Christian priests Rev Johannes, who died in 1680, and Rev. Margar, who died in 1724, were also buried here.
