Asif Yar Khan
State Archaeology and Museums all set to put new life into
most neglected heritage monument of the 17th century Armenian Cemetery situated
at Uppuguda (Opiguda) in Hyderabad'old city will likely to opened for the
general public and tourists. The existence of the cemetery of Armenians was
brought to light by Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb, a historian from the city
in 1970.
Photo: Mohammed Yousuf
State Archaeology and Museums all set to put new life into
most neglected heritage monument of the 17th century Armenian Cemetery situated
at Uppuguda (Opiguda) in Hyderabad'old city will likely to opened for the
general public and tourists. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf
The existence of the cemetery of Armenians was brought to
light by Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb, a historian from the city in 1970.
Two of Hyderabad’s most famous Armenians, Albert Abid and
Alexander Jacob, are not buried at the Armenian cemetery in Uppuguda. But the
cemetery is preparing to enlighten people on the role of the two Armenians in
the 16 and 17 century. After lying in a state of neglect for decades, the
Armenian cemetery, will be opened to public shortly.
The Department of Archaeology and Museums, which is the
custodian of the cemetery, renovated the premises some months ago.
“ A caretaker will be posted at the cemetery to look after
its maintenance,” said Sunita M. Bhagwath, Director, Archaeology and Museums
Department.
Armenians came to India between 16th and 17th centuries as
traders travelling through Persia, Afghanistan and Tibet. “A large number of
Armenians settled in Hyderabad during the 17th century. Though there are no
written records of their activities, traditions and social conditions , the
Armenian epitaphs acknowledge their presence,” M.A. Qayyum, former Deputy
Director Archaeology and Museums said.
There are about 20 graves in the cemetery, 19 are of
Armenians and one is of a Dutch trader.
The graves of two priests Rev Johannes, who died in 1680,
and Rev. Margar, who died in 1724, are also here. A single dome on the premises
representing the Qutb Shahi style of architecture and two mandapa-like
structures, one square and the other octagonal, are distinct features of the
cemetery.
The existence of the cemetery of Armenians was brought to
light by Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb, a historian from the city in 1970.
“Dr. Shakeb chanced upon a letter written by British
Resident W. Haig in Hyderabad to a government official in 1907 about the
Armenian cemetery. Soon, officials were informed about it and the place was
identified,” Qayyum explained.
Rs. 25 lakh for renovation
The department spent around Rs. 25 lakh for renovating the
place. Wild shrubs were cleared and the height of the compound wall has been
increased. The authorities took care to see that the wall was renovated using
granite, lime and mortar to keep in tune with the character of the precinct.
The tough task ahead for them is to see that the basalt
stones with Armenian engravings on the graves are restored. “We will be seeking
the help of experts for the job,” Ms. Bhagwath said. Historians suggest that the
government seek the Armenian authorities’ help in establishing the identity of
all those who are buried here.
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder
Not: Yalnızca bu blogun üyesi yorum gönderebilir.