News - The United States government will provide $250,000 in funding towards the conservation and restoration of six Paigah tombs located in Hyderabad, India. The tombs, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, are located at Santoshnagar and were announced as part of a conservation project by US Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Beth Jones, and US Consul General Jennifer Larson during their visit to the complex.

 

Paigah Tombs, also known as Maqhbara Shams al-Umara, are an architectural wonder located in Hyderabad, India. These tombs belong to the nobility of the Paigah family, who were loyalists of the Nizams and served as statespeople, philanthropists, and generals under and alongside them. The tombs are known for their intricate mosaic tile-work and craftsmanship. Located 4 km southeast of Charminar in Hyderabad, at Pisal Banda suburb, the Paigah necropolis is set amidst a labyrinth of concrete houses built around 30 acres of property, and offer a glimpse into the rich history and architectural brilliance of the region.

 

The tombs are made of lime and mortar with beautiful inlaid marble carvings and are around 200 years old, representing the final resting places of several generations of Paigah nobles. The tombs showcase a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, incorporating elements of Asaf Jahi and Rajputana styles, as well as stucco work in Mughal, Persian and Deccan styles. The geometrical designs, with their perforated screens, are unique and display exceptional craftsmanship. Though the tombs may appear abandoned, they offer a captivating and enthralling experience to those who take the time to explore them.

 

The tombs have been protected by the Archaeology Department since 1989, and restoration works have been undertaken to preserve their beauty and history. The complex holds an old-world charm and is home to several tombs, each with their unique architectural features and influences of Turkish, Mughal and Rajput styles.

 

One of the most notable tombs is that of Hussain-Un-Nissa Begum, daughter of the fifth Nizam and wife of Kursheed Shah, which is said to be a replica of Mumtaz Mahal's tomb inside Taj Mahal. Another standout tomb is that of Parwarish-un-Nissa, daughter of the fifth Nizam and wife of Nawab Bashir-ud-Daulah, which features extensive jaali work and floral stucco ornamentation. Ornate wooden doors, made of mahogany, teak and rosewood, add to the tombs's charm and have stood the test of time. The necropolis also boasts of an Asaf Jahi-style mosque, complete with a small pond that reflects the arches.