HYDERABAD: French firms to restore Raymond’s Tomb in Moosarambagh
HYDERABAD: After decades of neglect, the Raymond’s Tomb complex at Moosarambagh in Hyderabad is set for a major restoration. Authorities plan to conserve the monument and improve amenities across the eight-acre site.
French firms to fund restoration
French Consulate General officials have initiated efforts to mobilise French companies operating in Hyderabad to bear the restoration cost. They discussed the project recently with Jayesh Ranjan, special chief secretary (tourism).
Built by the Nizam government in memory of French commander Michel Joachim Marie Raymond, who died on March 25, 1798, the tomb complex includes not only his granite-clad memorial with the initials “JR” but also the graves of his horse and dog.
Historic link with Hyderabad
Born in 1755 in France, Raymond came to India at the age of 20, initially engaging in trade at Puducherry. After the British captured Puducherry in 1778, he joined the military and later reached Hyderabad in 1786. He founded the Francois Corps, a French regiment that strengthened the Nizam’s army. Locals, unable to pronounce “Monsieur Raymond,” began calling him “Mousa Ram,” which gave the area its present name, Moosarambagh.
Years of neglect
Though listed among government heritage structures, the site has suffered decades of poor maintenance. The lime-plastered structure is crumbling, and illegal occupation attempts by political leaders have worsened the situation. Authorities had earlier fenced the area to prevent encroachments but stopped further work.
Heritage department readies plan
Following the French Consulate’s intervention, the heritage department’s director Arjun Rao, deputy director Nagaraju and engineering teams inspected the site and prepared a restoration plan. It includes monument repairs, landscape development, and tourist facilities such as seating, signage, and ticketing to fund upkeep.
Officials said the restored French memorial could be developed on the lines of other recently opened theme parks to attract visitors.
