Neglect and Stone Thefts Threaten Historic Paigah Tombs in Santhoshnagar

The historic Paigah Tombs in Santhoshnagar, Hyderabad, are facing serious threats of damage and theft due to a lack of proper supervision and maintenance at the notified heritage site.

Valuable coloured stones embedded in the grave of Hussain Un-nisa Begum have already gone missing from the premises. Additionally, the remaining green stones on the marble graves of Nawab Bashir-ud-Daula and Nawab Moin-ud-Daula are at immediate risk of theft, raising serious alarms among local heritage enthusiasts.

Historians note that the tomb of Hussain Unnisa Begum serves as the resting place linked to Nizam V, who married Khursheed Jah. The intricate grave was adorned with precious stones arranged in detailed floral patterns, known for replicating the design of Mumtaz Mahal's tomb inside the Taj Mahal.

Heritage enthusiast Abdul Hafeez stated that valuable religious heritage sites and their attached properties are sustaining damage due to the negligence of both the Heritage Department and the Waqf Board. Hafeez urged both agencies to work together to actively maintain and safeguard religious heritage structures and monuments across the city.

Visitors to the site also observed that while the marble graves showcase beautiful and detailed craftsmanship, the site lacks basic informational name boards identifying the nobles and their family members or detailing the history of the tombs.

Addressing security concerns and structural damage, a senior official from the Heritage Department stated that plans are underway to install CCTV cameras and deploy additional security personnel at the Paigah Tombs and other heritage sites across Hyderabad.