₹14 lakh French grant to revive Hyderabad’s historic Raymond’s Tomb
The iconic Raymond’s Tomb, one of Hyderabad’s enduring links with France, is set to undergo restoration with financial assistance of ₹14 lakh from the Bureau
The iconic Raymond’s Tomb, one of Hyderabad’s enduring links with France, is set to undergo restoration with financial assistance of ₹14 lakh from the Bureau de France, Hyderabad, in a move aimed at preserving the monument and deepening cultural ties between the two sides. The project reflects the long-standing historical and cultural relationship between France and Hyderabad, with Raymond’s Tomb standing as a reminder of the legacy of Michel Joachim Marie Raymond, the French military officer who served under the Nizams and earned immense popularity among Hyderabadis.
The decision was taken at a review meeting on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) chaired by A. Vani Prasad, Special Chief Secretary, Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department, and attended by a French delegation and senior Telangana government officials. The Department of Heritage Telangana will prepare detailed estimates for the conservation works and complete the restoration within two months. Visitor amenities, including information boards and basic facilities, will also be added to improve the experience for tourists. An inauguration programme for the restoration initiative has been proposed for July 28, and will be organised in coordination with the French delegation and other departments, said Arjun Rao Kuthadi, Director, Department of Heritage, Telangana.
History of Raymond’s Tomb French military officer Michel Joachim Marie Raymond won the trust of Nizam Ali Khan through his military skill and discipline after arriving in Hyderabad in the late 18th century. Joining forces with the Nizam in 1768, Raymond helped raise and train a modern army that emerged as a powerful force in the Deccan at a time when the British East India Company was expanding its influence. Raymond died under mysterious circumstances in 1798 at the age of 43.
He was buried on a hillock in what is now Malakpet, where he had trained his soldiers and marksmen. A 23-foot-high obelisk was later erected over his grave, giving rise to the monument now known as Raymond’s Tomb.
The BriefWire