Paigah Tombs: Marvel in Marble The
Paigah tombs, though a recent discovery, date back to the late eighteenth century
and embody unparalleled grace and elegance in marble. Though these stunning tombs
are strewn over 30-40 acres, tombs of the Paigahas who had married daughters of
the Nizams and their spouses are confined to a two-acre site. It is this enclosure
which is now known as Paigah tombs. The Paigah nobles were very close to the Nizams
and very powerful and influential, taking care of the security and defence of
the state. The
bonds between the Nizams and the Paigah nobility strengthened with the marriage
of Fakhr-ud- din Khan with the daughter of the second Nizam. Fakr-ud-dins
descendants married daughters of other Nizams and consequently, in protocol, the
Paigahs were considered next only to the Nizams. The tombs are a series of mausoleums
built for these Paigahs and immediate members of their families. These structures
are specimens of remarkable artistry showing itself off in exquisite inlaid msaic
work. Local people claim that the geometrical patterns of the sculptural features
of these tombs are unique and not found anywhere in the world. Abdul
Fateh Khan Tegh Jung founded the Paigah nobility and was rendering service to
the second Nizam, who ruled between 1760 and 1803. The Nizam conferred on him
the title of Shams-ul-umra, meaning the sun among the masses. Tegh Jung was buried
in 1786 at the entrance of the complex, now known as Paiga tombs. An iron plaque
at the entrance of the complex traces the Paigah lineage and eulogises the marble
magnificence of the mausoleums. The Paigahs were also great patrons of arts, literature
and sports and commanded the respect of the rulers and the people.
The delicately
carved mausoleums, enclosed in pierced marble facades, commemorate generations
of Paigah nobles and are regarded as the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture,
imbibimg at the same time features of the Asaf Jah and Rajputani styles. A majestic
and stately gateway, a double storeyed structure, heralds the tourists journey
of the mausoleum complex. Above the cornices of the building rise imposingly bulbous
turrets embodying sculptural grace and gaiety. Only
classical poetry can do justice to the breathtakingly beautiful structures of
the Paigah mausoleums, some of which have elaborate canopies which again rivet
the tourists attention to the dazzling craftsmanship they embody. Outstanding
among them is the canopy of the tomb of the Amir-e-Kabir. Some of the tombs have
a rectangular marble fence done in trellis-work made up of a variety of geometrical
and floral designs. Each of the four flanks forming the rectangular fence has
different motifs. The canopy is supported by pillars which recall Images of Hindu
temple pillars. Between
the entabulature supporting the canopy and the pillars are several arches fringed
again by smaller semicircular arches, a feature unique to Indian arches. The tourist
can also find an ostrich egg suspended over Amir-e-Kabirs tomb, a sign believed
to be associated with royalty. On the sides of the tombs are inscriptions in Arabic,
likely to be excerpts from Islamic scriptures. The architecture of all the tombs
is rich in flowerage and foliage motifs, characteristic of Mughal
Another tomb
which has a magnetic impact on the tourist is that of Sir Asman Jah, on which
the sculptor has mounted intricately etched semi-precious stone imported from
Italy. The stone is presumed to change colours according to the vagaries of seasons,
green when it rains, white in winter and yellow in the sun. Its green resembles
jade. The tombs manifest a stunning fusion of Turkish, Greek, Islamic and Rajaputana
schools of architecture. The primacy given to detail and embellishment is striking
to the extreme.
A series of courtyards
houses these tombs enclosed by walls sporting a wealth of lattice work and exotic
designs, floral and geometric. Competing with each other to catch the eye of the
tourist are geometrical designs done in stucco work on the entrances, the great
rosewood doors enriched by intricate lattice work and the details on the tombs.
Each wall has different designs in carved marble, some resembling pineapples,
drums and serpents, not to mention arched alcoves. Several of the walls flaunt
designs of flower vases out of which emerge a variety of flowers. Another
feast for the tourists eyes is Begum Khurshid Jahs tomb, done in marble
and inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, several of them gouged by vandals.
Set against the milk-white of the marble, the stones shine in blue, green, yellow
and orange. Knowledgeable people compare this tom to the tomb of Shah Jehan in
Taj Mahal. It is surprising how these superb treasures remained undiscovered till
recently. MORE
INFO : The Paigah
Tombs in Hyderabad, India are the tombs of the several generations of the Paigah
nobles. The Paigah nobles were very close to the Nizams and so they enjoyed a
significant social status. They were given the responsibility of looking after
the security and defense of the state. Some of the Paigah nobles who have been
laid to rest here are Asman Jah, Viqar-ul-Umara and Shams-ul-Umara. Abdul
Fateh Khan Tegh Jung founded the Paigah nobility and was rendering service to
the second Nizam, who ruled between 1760 and 1803. The Nizam bestowed him with
the prestigious title of Shams-ul-Umra, meaning "the Sun among the masses".
Tegh Jung was buried in 1786 at the foyer of the complex. An iron plaque at the
entrance of the complex traces the Paigah lineage and exalts the marble magnificence
of the vault. The Paigahs were also great patrons of fine arts, literature and
sports and commanded the respect of the rulers and the ordinary people alike. The
Paigah Tombs are unique specimens of extraordinary artistry that is ardently visible
in the wonderfully inlaid mosaic work. Local people claim that the geometrical
patterns and designs of these stunning tombs are only one of its kind and exclusive
and cannot be found anywhere in the world.
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