Monsieur Raymond - The French General of Hyderabad

By Seven Oaks -


Early Life and Arrival in India

Michel Joachim Marie Raymond was born on 25 September 1755 in Sérignac, Gascony, France, to a merchant family. In 1775, at the age of 20, he and his younger brother, William Jean Raymond, set sail for Pondicherry, India, with aspirations of establishing a merchant enterprise. However, the allure of military service soon captivated him, leading to a distinguished career as a soldier.


Monsieur Raymond's French Tomb at Malakpet

Military Career in India

Following the British capture of Pondicherry in 1778, Raymond joined the army of Hyder Ali in Mysore, enlisting in the Corps of Chevalier de Lasse as a sub-lieutenant. His tenure here provided him with invaluable military experience.

After Hyder Ali's death, Raymond served under French General Bussy as his aide-de-camp, holding the rank of captain. This period further honed his military acumen and deepened his understanding of the complex political landscape of the Deccan.

In 1786, Raymond entered the service of Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II, the ruler of Hyderabad. Starting with a command of 300 soldiers, his leadership and strategic prowess led to rapid promotions. By 1796, he was appointed Amin Jinsi (Comptroller of Ordnance), overseeing the production of arms and ammunition. Under his guidance, several cannon and cannonball factories were established, including the Gunfoundry near Fateh Maidan.

Contributions and Legacy

Raymond's military corps grew to over 14,000 soldiers, making it one of the most formidable forces in the region. His leadership was marked by discipline, innovation, and a deep commitment to the welfare of his troops. He was known for his kindness and bravery, earning him immense respect among the local populace. To the Hindus, he was 'Musa Ram,' and to the Muslims, 'Musa Rahim'.

His close relationship with the Nizam and his contributions to the state's military infrastructure solidified his position as a key figure in Hyderabad's history. Even after his death, the Nizam continued to honor him by sending a box of cheroots and a bottle of beer to his tomb annually on his death anniversary.

Mysterious Death

On 25 March 1798, Raymond died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 43. The exact cause of his death remains uncertain, with theories ranging from suicide to poisoning. His death marked a turning point in Hyderabad's political landscape, leading to the disbandment of his French corps and increased British influence in the region.

Raymond's Tomb

Raymond's tomb is located atop a hillock at Moosarambagh (named in his honor) in Malakpet, Hyderabad. The tomb is a black granite obelisk, approximately 7 meters high, bearing the initials 'JR' (Joachim Raymond). Adjacent to the obelisk is a pavilion built by the Nizam, which collapsed in 2001 but was subsequently restored. The site has been a place of reverence, with locals visiting to pay their respects. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Monsieur Raymond.

References

1. Wikipedia Contributors. "Michel Joachim Marie Raymond." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Joachim_Marie_Raymond

2. Madras Courier. "Monsieur Raymond: The French General Of The Deccan." https://madrascourier.com/biography/how-monsieur-raymond-became-musa-ram/

3. Datta, Rangan. "Monsieur Raymond's Tomb — Hyderabad's French Connect." https://rangandatta.wordpress.com/2023/12/06/monsieur-raymonds-tomb-hyderabads-french-connect/

4. Wikipedia Contributors. "Raymond's Tomb." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond%27s_Tomb

5. The Hans India. "Hyderabad: Revisiting city's French connection." https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/hyderabad-revisiting-citys-french-connection-808956

6. Discover India. "Monsieur Raymond's tomb, Hyderabad." https://discoverindiasite.wordpress.com/2016/03/06/monsieur-raymonds-tomb-hyderabad/

7. Times of India. "Raymond's tomb 'sleeps' deprived of care." https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/raymonds-tomb-sleeps-deprived-of-care/articleshow/61940338.cms

8. Wikipedia Contributors. "Moosarambagh." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moosarambagh

9. Wikipedia Contributors. "Etymology of localities of Hyderabad." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology_of_localities_of_Hyderabad

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Accoustics and Hydraulics of Golconda Fort

By Seven Oaks -
Image
The Accoustic  Signalling System and the  Persian Wheel Hydrological technology at Golconda Fort.  🔊 1. Acoustic Engineering at Golconda Fort 📌 What Was It? Golconda Fort was famous for its advanced acoustic signaling system designed for communication and security.  A hand clap at the entrance (Fateh Darwaza) could be clearly heard at the  'Bala Hissar' pavilion , the highest point of the fort, nearly  1 km away  — but only at specific spots The clapping Point with the diamond shaped ceiling   The Balahisar, as seen from the clapping point.  ⚙️ How Did It Work? The acoustic system worked using parabolic sound reflection and the strategic use of domes and arches. The architecture channeled sound waves through granite surfaces and arched galleries which amplified and directed sound. These sounds served as alerts for the fort's defenders in case of an approaching enemy or mess...
Read more

Sughra Humayun Mirza - Hyderabad's first Female Novelist, a Reformer, and Educator

By Seven Oaks -
Image
Sughra Humayun Mirza (1882–1958), also known as Begum Sughra, was a pioneering Urdu novelist, social reformer, and traveler from Hyderabad, India.  Picture Credit uniquelytelangana Introduction  Sughra Humayun Mirza is recognized as one of Hyderabad's first female novelists, having authored 14 major novels.  ( Sughra Humayun Mirza - Wikipedia ) Pic credit -  Siasat Picture Early Life and Education Born in December 1882 in Hyderabad during the reign of Nizam Asaf Jahi VI, Sughra hailed from an educated Shia Muslim family. Her father, Dr. Safdar Ali Mirza, was a Captain-Surgeon in the Nizam’s Army, and her mother, Maria Begum, was a renowned scholar of Arabic and Persian. Sughra received home tutoring in Persian and Urdu, fostering her literary interests from a young age. ( Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza: Renowned Urdu Novelist And A Social ... , Hyderabad’s Sughra Humayun Mirza has set an example via dedicated work ) Literary Contributions S...
Read more

The Diamonds of Golconda: History, Famous Gems, and Forgotten Fortunes

By Seven Oaks -
Image
The Diamonds of Golconda: History, Famous Gems, and Forgotten Fortunes 🪨 Origins of Diamond Mining in Golconda Ancient Beginnings India was the only known source of diamonds until the 18th century, and the Golconda region in the Deccan Plateau played a central role.  References to diamond mining in this region appear in ancient Sanskrit texts as early as 300 BCE , highlighting its longstanding importance in global gem history. 📖 Source: Southern Jewelry News The Diamond Belt of the Deccan The diamond-rich region historically known as Golconda spanned over 210 miles in length and 95 miles in width , covering large parts of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh .  This area included legendary mines like Kollur and Paritala. 📖 Source: GIA 4Cs 👑 Qutb Shahi Dynasty and the Rise of the Diamond Trade Strategic Rule (1518–1687) The Qutb Shahi dynasty , which ruled from Golconda, transformed the region into a powerful political and commercial hub.  Their admin...
Read more