The Paigah Tombs or Maqhbara Shams al-Umara, are a lost gem in a city that is brimming over with centuries-old monuments. These tombs were the private necropolis of the Paigah family, who were fierce loyalists of the Nizams. Because of their military training, the noble members of the Paigah family served as philanthropists, statespeople, generals and senior aristocrats under and alongside the Nizams. The second Nizam of Hyderabad, bestowed the honorific title, Paigah (Persian word which means rank and pomp), which the family had in equal measure. The Paigah’s necropolis is located at 4km Southeast of Charminar at Pisal banda suburb, Santosh Nagar near to Owaisi hospital. The Paigah tombs are spread over an area of 35-40 acres. With beautiful inlaid marble carvings, the tombs are made out of lime and mortar.
Paigah tombs are 200 years old and represent the final resting places of the Paigah Nobles of several generations. During the conquest of the Deccan region by Emperor Aurangzeb, the Paigahs came along with him. The House of Paigah was founded by Shams-ul-Umra I also known as Nawaz Abul Fatah Khan Tegh. At one point, next only to the Nizams in rank, the Paigah jagir consisted of 1,273 villages and 23 taluks that covered an area of 4,134 square miles which boasted its own police, courts and postage. Their ties with Nizams were further cemented through matrimonial alliances. They also constructed several palaces in the city and the notable amongst them are the famous Falaknuma Palace, Asman Garh Palace, Khursheed Jah Devdi and Vicar-ul-Umarahi palace. They were believed to be rich than the average Maharajah of the country.
Paigah Tombs has been decorated with carefully created designs and exceptionally crafted geometrical patterns. The inlaid mosaic tile work of the tombs is breathtaking as they have been skilfully carved. The famous ‘Jali’ work on the tombs makes it even more attractive. Ensuring a unique style and design each tomb has been designed differently. The elaborated coverings and marble fences that surround the Paigah tombs are adorned with exemplary geometrical and floral designs. But observing them carefully, you will be able to notice the designing difference between the tombs. Representing Indian architecture, the semi-circular arches are also seen here. There is an iron tablet at the entrance of the tombs with inscriptions about Paigah lineage. The epitaphs have been imprinted with chants and tributes. Another most important feature of these tombs is that they demonstrate the royal family tree.
With the death of the founder of the dynasty, Abul Fatah Khan, this necropolis came into existence in 1786. Then the site was spread over 8 acres and was chosen as it was located near to the dargah of the sufi saint Burhane Shah. The entire area was given for aristocratic families to have their maqbaras (graves) by the second Nizam and the area has got the name as ‘Riyasat Nagar’. Paigah tombs have graves of many members from the family and the notable tombs are of Shams-ul-Umra, Sultan-ul-Mulk, Zaheer yar Jung, Sir Khursheed Jah, Sir Viqar-ul-Umara, Asman Jah and others. The architecture of the Paigah tombs is unique with an amalgamation of eight diverse styles – Greek, French, Italian, Turkish, Persian, Mughal, Rajput, and Kakatiyan.
The extensive jaali work on the walls is an example of lost craftsmanship. There are nearly 80 jaalis, no one pattern is similar to the other. They showcase both feminine (matter) and masculine (mind) designs through geometric circles, foliage and stars, they are intricate and impressive. The caretaker of the cemetery for almost 45 years is all praise for the Archaeology Department that took up the protection of this place in 1989. The geometrical patterns here can be found nowhere in the world. Paigah Tombs has the potential to be a tourist destination like the Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi. The tombstones are embellished with colorful intricate detailing that are singular pieces of art.
As a part of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Union Tourism Ministry has included Paigah Tombs in a heritage circuit in Hyderabad. To restore its grandeur, Rs 4.10 crore has been sanctioned. One can visit these tombs on all days, except on Fridays. The timing for visiting Paigah Tombs is 10: 00 AM to 5: 00 PM. There is no entry fee.