Paigah Tombs: Marvel in Marble

Another tomb which has a magnetic impact on the tourist is that of Sir Asman Jah, on which the sculptor has mounted intricately etched semi-precious stone imported from Italy. The stone is presumed to change colours according to the vagaries of seasons, green when it rains, white in winter and yellow in the sun. Its green resembles jade. The tombs manifest a stunning fusion of Turkish, Greek, Islamic and Rajaputana schools of architecture. The primacy given to detail and embellishment is striking to the extreme.

A series of courtyards houses these tombs enclosed by walls sporting a wealth of lattice work and exotic designs, floral and geometric. Competing with each other to catch the eye of the tourist are geometrical designs done in stucco work on the entrances, the great rosewood doors enriched by intricate lattice work and the details on the tombs. Each wall has different designs in carved marble, some resembling pineapples, drums and serpents, not to mention arched alcoves. Several of the walls flaunt designs of flower vases out of which emerge a variety of flowers.

Another feast for the tourists’ eyes is Begum Khurshid Jah’s tomb, done in marble and inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, several of them gouged by vandals. Set against the milk-white of the marble, the stones shine in blue, green, yellow and orange. Knowledgeable people compare this tom to the tomb of Shah Jehan in Taj Mahal. It is surprising how these superb treasures remained undiscovered till recently.

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