History and Art and Culture
Context: 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.
About Paigah Tombs complex:
- Paigah Tombs or Maqhbara Shams al-Umara, are the tombs belonging to the nobility of Paigah family, who were fierce loyalists of the Nizams.
- The Paigah tombs are among the major wonders of Hyderabad State which known for their architectural excellence.
- These tombs are 200 years old which represent the final resting places of several generations of the Paigah Nobles.
- One of the best examples of Indo Saracenic architecture, the tombs presents a beautiful blend of Asaf Jah and Rajputani style of architecture.
- Built of white marble, Paigah tombs captivate visitors with intricately designed interiors.
- Paigahs who married daughters of the Nizams were the highest ranking nobles in princely state of Hyderabad, after the family of Nizams.
- Paigahs were the only noble family who were permitted by the Sultan to have their private army.
- These tombs are magnificent structures, decorated in stucco work, and represent the Mughal, Greek, Persian, Asaf Jahi, Rajasthani and Decani style of architecture.
- Stucco or render is a construction material made of aggregates, a binder, and water.
- Stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid.
- It is used as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings, exterior walls, and as a sculptural and artistic material in architecture.
- The famous ‘Jali’ work makes it even more attractive.
- Each Tomb has been designed differently, ensuing a unique style and design.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Questions
Q.1) Consider the following pairs:
Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts Location in the State of
- Dhauli Odisha
- Erragudi Andhra Pradesh
- Jaugada Madhya Pradesh
- Kalsi Karnataka
How many pairs given above are correctly matched? (2022)
- Only one pair
- Only two pairs
- Only three pairs
- All four pairs
Q.2) With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
- It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
- It is the only circular temple built in India.
- It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
- Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct? (2021)
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 4
- 2, 3 and 4
