Rubble and high growth of weeds and bushes indicate lack of maintenance for Monsieur Raymond’s tomb

The towering obelisk on the Asmangadh hill has been an epitome of communal harmony in a very unique way. Even after 200-odd years of its construction, local Muslims remember to pay homage at the tombstone every Id-ul-Fitr. Hindus do it seven days after the festival by lighting camphor and offering flowers. Irony is that the tomb holds the remains of a person who belonged to neither of the two religions!

Monsieur Raymond, referred to fondly as Moosa Ram by Hindus and Moosa Rahim by Muslims, was in fact a Christian, and a French general in Nizam’s military. He was the person behind the setting up of Gunfoundry, the factory where cannon balls were produced during Nizam’s time. Needless to say, the area Moosarambagh derived its name from the general’s popularity among the local people.

No signboards

However, all that remained the glory of the bygone era, and his tomb, a site of archaeological significance, lies in utter neglect now. Visitors face difficulty in even locating the seven-acre tomb complex, as no signboard can be found on the Moosarambagh main road, to direct the tourists. The only signpost, scraped and fading, could be found at the start of the lane which ends at the rusted iron gate leading into the complex.

“There were two signboards earlier, one of them on the main road. But GHMC removed both during its road widening drive, and they have not been reinstalled,” says S. Narender, the security guard.

Once inside the complex, visitors would be greeted to rubble, and high growth of weeds and bushes, indicating lack of maintenance. Narender goes inside a small room, probably meant to be information counter, and carries out a sheet-metal plaque, where the story of Monsieur Raymond is inscribed. That is the mode adapted by the Archaeology Department for dissemination of tourist information!

The pavilion where devotees offer their homage was reconstructed ten years ago, after a portion collapsed due to heavy rain in 2001. Since its restoration, the pavilion has not been repainted even once. Plants bordering the complex have dried up, and dry leaves lay scattered everywhere around.

While the general’s pet dog and horse were buried in the same place, and mentioned in the literature about the location, the dog’s grave lies hidden behind undergrowth. Security is lax, as the solar fencing erected over the compound wall remains dysfunctional, and needs repairs.

“Every night, drunkards and anti-social elements climb over the walls from the other side, and create a ruckus in the tomb complex. Our sleep gets disturbed due to this,” a resident of the area informed.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News>  Cities> Hyderabad / by Swathi V. /April 01st, 2013

The tourism authorities have taken all the necessary steps to complete the much-delayed Dhyana Buddha project and unveil the 125-foot tall Buddha statute during the three-day Buddha Jayanthi celebrations to be held from May 14 at Amaravathi in Guntur district.

Of the Rs 40 lakh sanctioned by the department in this connection, Rs 10 lakh has been released recently and the works are going on at a brisk pace, said AP Tourism divisional manager (Vijayawada) Juvvadi Raghupati Rao.

The Dhyana Buddha project was conceived and executed by Social Welfare joint director Regulla Mallikarjuna Rao in 2004 with the funding of Guntur district collector. But, the tourism department took it over in 2007. More than Rs 3 crore has already been spent on the project, say sources.

Meanwhile, the Buddha statue has been designed by incorporating features from all the 50 types of Buddhist sculptures seen at 145 major heritage sites across India. The essence of the Buddhist teachings found in 24 chapters and 424 stanzas have also been carved on 200 panels in the main hall of the Dhyana Mandiram. The Dalai Lama, who visited the place during Kalachakra in 2006, donated `30 lakh and promised to provide 300 volumes of Buddhist literature to develop the place as an international Buddhist study centre. He is likely to attend the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations at Amaravathi in May for the second time. Meanwhile, the tourism officials are also taking measures for completing the roof-level restaurant, Raghupathi Rao said.

The AP Tourism is also developing other tourist and pilgrim centres including Kondaveedu Fort (at a cost of `85 lakh), Vundavally Caves, Uuppaldu Bird Sanctuary (`15 lakh each) and Karampudi Veerla Gudi (the temple of warriors at `60 lakh), he added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> State> Andhra Pradesh / by P Laxma  Reddy / ENS – Vijayawada / April 01st, 2013