ðŦ Basheer Bagh Gunfoundry
Top ka Sancha – The 18th Century French Cannon Factory & Raymond's Legacy
A Testament to French Engineering in the Deccan: At a time when the French Revolution was at its peak in France (1789-1790), impacting the entire civilised world with its ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, there was in Hyderabad an intrepid French General in the service of the second Asif Jah, Nizam Ali Khan, who with his indomitable courage and skills of diplomacy, established a native army trained on the French model. The guns and cannons he made, after establishing an arsenal and a foundry, became so famous that never in the country, before or after, were such quality ammunition ever made. The indomitable French general behind that contingent was Michel Joachim Marie Raymond, popularly known as Francois Raymond or Monsieur Raymond.
Today, only a part of the massive gunfoundry remains. Massive brick walls and cubicles supported by brick and mortar arches at ground level, consisting of brick kiln-like spaces underneath, are what survive of the original foundry. Residential colonies have come up around the site, and much of the massive gunfoundry walls fell due to lack of repair and maintenance over time.
ð History – The French Connection (1795)
ð️ Built by Monsieur Raymond (1795 CE): The Gunfoundry was built in 1795 CE during the Asaf Jahi period by the renowned French engineer Michel Joachim Marie Raymond (Francois Raymond), who had established a cannon-manufacturing factory here. This is the only surviving Gunfoundry established in the 18th Century CE in the Nizam's State of Hyderabad.
The Original Structure: The original brick walls of the Gunfoundry were approximately 50 feet high with a tapered portion commencing above 25 feet. The binding material used is lime mortar while the wall surfaces were covered with lime mortar on the exterior and interior.
Present Condition: Residential colonies have come up around the site, and only a part of the Gunfoundry remains. Massive brick walls and cubicles which are supported by brick and mortar arches at ground level, and consist of brick kiln-like space underneath, are what remain of the original foundry. Much of the massive gunfoundry walls fell due to lack of repair and maintenance over time.
ðŦð· Monsieur Raymond – The French General Who Became "Musa Rahim"
ð️ From French Merchant to Nizam's Commander: During the last quarter of the 18th century, this enterprising French adventurer, Raymond, came to India as a merchant. But soon he joined as a soldier and served a few native states before he finally reached Hyderabad to form a native regiment. Here he rose to become its commander and established considerable French influence in the court of the Nizam by winning his trust.
Raymond's Passionate Commitment: Raymond's passionate commitment to the work he discharged and loyalty to the Nizam were such that his influence on the Nizam continued unabated, till death, even though the British had taken over vast territories of the Circars from the Nizam in 1766 and established their hegemony in the Hyderabad court after the eclipse of French power.
The Cap of Liberty: The fact that the native army men trained by Raymond wore headgear similar to the Cap of Liberty, a symbol of the great French Revolution, shows how this French commander wanted to replicate the values of revolutionary France in distant Hyderabad.
"Musa Rahim" and "Musa Ram": To the Muslims, he was affectionately known as "Musa Rahim," and to the Hindus, he was "Musa Ram" — a remarkable testament to his integration into the local culture and the respect he commanded across religious lines.
ðŠĶ The Raymond Tomb – A Black Granite Memorial in Saroornagar
⚰️ Raymond's Final Resting Place (1798): When Raymond died in 1798, a tomb made of black granite was erected in Saroornagar, about 10 kilometers away from Hyderabad. The place is on top of a hillock in Mussa Ram Bagh, Malakpet. The tomb is approximately 60 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 10 meters high. The initials "JR" are carved into it.
A Symbol of Respect: The tomb has long been a symbol of great respect from the people and the dynasty. Until now, people from all over the city still pay their respects for the great Frenchman on his death anniversary by lighting incense sticks near the tomb.
Collapse and Renovation (2001-2003): In October 2001, the monument collapsed due to heavy rain and lack of maintenance. The state government had it renovated and given a facelift, as well as a brand new pavilion. On 14 April 2003, it was again showcased to senior officials of the tourism and archaeology departments. The renovation cost an estimated ₹500,000 — a small price to pay for the continued existence of one of Hyderabad's enduring attractions.
ðģ The French Garden – Where Raymond's Men Were Stationed
ð️ Another attraction near the tomb: The French Garden is located less than a kilometer away from the tomb. It is the place where Raymond and his men were stationed. Now, it is a beautifully laid out lawn with green grass and flowers. There are also remnants of the military barracks stationed there during Raymond's time.
ðŦ The Small Gun Park – Cannons on Display
ð️ Cannons Cast by Raymond: Some of the guns Raymond cast can be seen in the small gun park on the meridian of the road in front of the Telangana State Assembly building. These cannons serve as a tangible reminder of the exceptional quality of ammunition produced at the Gunfoundry — quality that was never matched before or after in the country.
ð Access & Preservation – A Monument Under Lock and Key
ð️ "The tourists can visit the site by taking the keys from us," said Mr. K. Padmanabha, the Deputy Director of Archaeology and Museums (as of 31 January 2017). He said the department was keeping the premises locked because people throw garbage and spoil the facade.
The Gunfoundry is a protected monument under the Department of Heritage Telangana. While access is restricted to prevent vandalism and littering, visitors can obtain the keys from the Department of Archaeology and Museums with prior arrangement.
ð Location & Surroundings
ðŦ Educational Institutions Nearby: The historic Aliya High School for Boys and Mehboobia College for Girls are both opposite to the Gunfoundry, across the main road that leads to Abids (in the south).
Nearest Landmarks:
- Aliya High School for Boys – Opposite the Gunfoundry
- Mehboobia College for Girls – Opposite the Gunfoundry
- Abids Road – Major commercial thoroughfare
- Basheer Bagh – Historic area known for its palaces and gardens
- Telangana State Assembly – Near the small gun park with Raymond's cannons
ð Raymond's Legacy – Timeline of a French Hero in Hyderabad
- 1795 CE: Gunfoundry (Top ka Sancha) established by Raymond
- 1798 CE: Raymond's death; tomb erected in Saroornagar
- 2001 (October): Raymond's Tomb collapses due to heavy rain and neglect
- 2003 (14 April): Restored Raymond's Tomb showcased to officials (renovation cost ₹500,000)
- 2017 (31 January): Gunfoundry under lock and key; visitors need to request keys from Archaeology Department
⏰ Visitor Information
ð Gunfoundry Address
Basheer Bagh Gunfoundry (Top ka Sancha)
Basheer Bagh, Abids Road,
Nampally Mandal, Hyderabad,
Telangana – 500001
ð Visiting Hours
Access: Restricted (protected monument)
To visit: Contact the Department of Archaeology and Museums for keys
ð Raymond Tomb Address
Raymond's Tomb (Mussa Ram Bagh)
Saroornagar, Malakpet,
Hyderabad, Telangana – 500035
ð Best Time to Visit
Raymond's Tomb: Open to public
French Garden: Open to public
Death Anniversary: People light incense sticks at the tomb annually
ð How to Reach:
- Metro: Assembly Metro Station (Red Line) – near the small gun park; Nampally Metro Station – near Gunfoundry
- For Raymond's Tomb: Musarambagh Metro Station (Red Line) – approximately 1 km
- Bus: TSRTC buses to Abids / Basheer Bagh (for Gunfoundry); to Saroornagar / Malakpet (for Raymond's Tomb)
- Auto/Cab: Easily available from anywhere in Hyderabad
ðļ Photography Tips & Visitor Notes:
- ✅ Gunfoundry: Exterior photography is possible from Abids Road; interior access requires prior permission from the Archaeology Department
- ✅ Raymond's Tomb: Open to the public — the black granite structure with "JR" initials is a must-capture
- ✅ The French Garden: Beautifully landscaped — great for photography
- ✅ Small Gun Park: Located in front of the Assembly building — view Raymond's cannons
- ✅ Combine with nearby attractions: St. Joseph's Cathedral, Basheer Bagh Palace ruins, and Assembly building are all nearby
- ð Note: Much of the original Gunfoundry has been lost to neglect; only remnants remain. Visit soon to witness what's left of this historic site.
ð️ Nearby Attractions
- St. Joseph's Cathedral – Historic Catholic cathedral in Gunfoundry area
- Basheer Bagh Palace – Ruins of a Paigah palace
- Telangana State Assembly – Seat of state government, with the small gun park
- Birla Mandir – White marble temple on Naubath Pahad
- Hussain Sagar Lake – Heart-shaped lake with Buddha statue
- Necklace Road – Scenic boulevard along the lake
✨ Key Features Summary
- Site Name: Basheer Bagh Gunfoundry / Top ka Sancha
- Location: Basheer Bagh, Abids Road, Hyderabad
- Built: 1795 CE
- Built By: Michel Joachim Marie Raymond (Monsieur Raymond / Francois Raymond)
- Purpose: Cannon-manufacturing factory for the Nizam's army
- Original Wall Height: 50 ft (with tapered portion above 25 ft)
- Construction Material: Lime mortar with brick walls
- Current Status: Protected monument; partially collapsed; only remnants remain; locked to prevent littering
- Raymond's Tomb Location: Mussa Ram Bagh, Saroornagar, Malakpet
- Tomb Dimensions: 60 m × 30 m × 10 m (black granite)
- Tomb Inscription: "JR" initials
- Tomb Condition: Collapsed in 2001, restored and reopened 14 April 2003 (₹500,000 renovation)
- French Garden: Nearby (less than 1 km from tomb) — former military barracks, now landscaped lawn
- Small Gun Park: In front of Assembly building — displays cannons cast by Raymond
- Raymond's Local Names: "Musa Rahim" (to Muslims), "Musa Ram" (to Hindus)
- Nearby Institutions: Aliya High School for Boys, Mehboobia College for Girls (opposite the Gunfoundry)
- Nearest Metro: Assembly Station (Gunfoundry), Musarambagh Station (Raymond's Tomb)
⭐ Why Visit Basheer Bagh Gunfoundry & Raymond's Tomb? The only surviving 18th-century gunfoundry in Hyderabad | Built by the legendary French General Raymond (1795) | Original 50-ft high lime mortar walls | Raymond's black granite tomb in Saroornagar with "JR" initials | The French Garden — former military barracks | Cannons cast by Raymond on display near Assembly building | "Musa Rahim" – a Frenchman who became a local hero | Protected monument with a fascinating story of French-Indian synergy
ð References & More Information
- Department of Heritage Telangana – Gunfoundry Monument
- Deccan Chronicle – Key to Gunfoundry is the Biggest Mystery (1 February 2017)
- The Hindu – The French connection that endures (May 2018)
- HYD.co.in – Raymond's Tomb: A French General's Legacy in Hyderabad
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