Raymond`s Tomb is situated close to Asmangadh fort on top of a hillock at Mussa Ram Bagh, Malakpet. It is almost about 3 km from the Oliphant Bridge that is presently known as Chaderghat Bridge in East Hyderabad.
The Raymond`s Tomb was built in the memory of the brave French General Michel Joachim Marie Raymond (1755 - 1798 AD). He was born on 25 September 1755. Popularly known as Monsieur Raymond, he was the founder of Gunfoundry Hyderabad. He was born in Serignac, Gascony, France, as the son of a merchant. Joachim Marie Raymond had joined as an ordinary soldier in the service of the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad. Soon he worked his way up and took up the position of an army General. With time he gained much respect in the army as well as admiration and honour among the ordinary public. He was fondly known as Musa Ram among the Hindus and Musa Rahim among the Muslims.
Until about 1940, people used to pay visit to his tomb on his death anniversary. They offered incense and other presents to him. The Nizams used to send him a box of cheroots and a bottle of beer every year on 25th March. His grave had become like a shrine. He is also remembered in Hyderabad with the area called Mussa Ram Bagh. Thus the tomb is a symbol of great respect.
Structure of Raymond Tomb
The Raymond`s tomb is a magnificent conical structure made up of black granite slabs. It is 60 meters long, 30 meters wide and 10 meters high. The complex stands on the pristine circle of a small hill of the eastern Hyderabad. Tourists can also visit the French Garden, which is located nearby. It is a beautifully laid out lawn with velvety green grass and lovely flowers. One can also spot military barracks of the army that were once bustling under the command of the valiant general Raymond.
The Raymond`s Tomb in Saroornaga is easily assessable through sir, road and rail. One can make use of the local transport, which is easily available round the clock in the city of Hyderabad. The tomb is open to visitors on all days except Friday. The timings are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
