Paigah Tombs Complex
Why in news :
- The necropolis (a large, designed cemetery with elaborate tomb monuments) of noblemen dating from the Asaf Jahi era known as Paigah Tombs complex in Hyderabad is set to be restored with funding by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
Paigah Tombs complex
- Announcing this on Tuesday, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) A. Elizabeth Jones said that the $250,000 grant will fund the restoration process.
More about the Paigah Tombs complex :
Paigah Tombs complex, Hyderabad
- Paigah Tombsor Maqhbara Shams al-Umara, are the tombs belonging to the nobility of Paigah family, who were fierce loyalists of the Nizams.
- The noble families of Paigah, during the 18th century were the most influential and powerful families of the Princely State of Hyderabad’s aristocracy are the descendants of the Omar bin Al-Khattab, Islam’s second caliph, comprising the area of their Jagirs to 4000 sq. miles.
- The Paigah tombs are among the major wonders of Hyderabad State.
- The tombs are known for their architectural excellence as shown in their laid mosaic tiles and craftsmanship work.
- These tombs are made out of lime and mortar with beautiful inlaid marble carvings.
- These tombs are 200 years old which represent the final resting places of several generations of the Paigah
- With marvelous carvings and motifs in floral designs and inlaid mosaic tile-works, the tombs are exquisite to walk around.
- The style of architecture of the Paigah Tombs is an amalgam of Mughal and Moorish styles resulting in a unique synthesis.
- The crypts, made of lime and mortar, have intricate marble inlay work and stucco reminiscent of Granada and Seville in Spain.
- These tombs are magnificent structures, decorated in stucco work, and represent the Moghal, Greek, Persian, Asaf Jahi, Rajasthaniand Deccani style of architecture which are unique specimens of extraordinary artistry that is ardently visible in the wonderfully inlaid mosaic work.
- The geometrical designs in the Paigah Tombs are unique and are perforated with screens with great craftsmanship.
Syllabus : Prelims + Mains; GS1 – Art and Culture
