Holy Place in Raymond Tomb

A rare gesture of honour by the second Nizam Asaf Jahi towards the late Michel Joachim Marie Raymond (France, 1755-1798), a French mercenary, a military-commander-in-service and a close friend. He came to India and in 1786 joined the service of the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad as an ordinary soldier. He worked his way up rapidly, and when he died just twelve years later, in 1798, he was the commander of a 19,000-strong army. He was not only, held in high esteem by the Nizam, but also won the admiration of the common people. He was famous among the Hindus and Muslims as the Hindus called him Musa Ram and the Muslims called him Musa Rahim. Writes historian Malleson: "No European of mark who followed him in India, ever succeeded in gaining to such an extent the love, the esteem, the admiration of the natives of the country." This tomb is situated in Saroornagar, 10 km. from Hyderabad city centre.

About the Raymond Tomb This tomb was made of black granite, conical in shape, about 60 m long, 30 m wide and 10 inches high, is held in great veneration. You can explore from here, less than a kilometer, a French garden where Raymond and his men were stationed. Traces of the military barracks may also still be seen here.

Location : Saroornagar, about 10 km. from Hyderabad City Centre
Timing : 9.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.
Open : Daily (Except Fridays )
Attractions Within Raymond Tomb : French Garden