India renovates neglected Armenian cemetery in Hyderabad

PanARMENIAN.Net - Two of Hyderabad’s most famous Armenians, Albert Abid and Alexander Jacob, are not buried at the Armenian cemetery in Uppuguda. But the cemetery is preparing to enlighten people on the role of the two Armenians in the 16-17th cc. After lying in a state of neglect for decades, the Armenian cemetery will soon open to public, the Hindu reports.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums, which guards the cemetery, renovated the premises some months ago.

“A guard will watch the cemetery,” said Sunita M. Bhagwath, Director of Archaeology and Museums Department.

Armenians came to India between 16th and 17th centuries as traders travelling through Persia, Afghanistan and Tibet. “A large number of Armenians settled in Hyderabad during the 17th century. Though there are no written records of their activities, traditions and social conditions, the Armenian epitaphs acknowledge their presence,” M.A. Qayyum, former Deputy Director Archaeology and Museums said.

There are about 20 graves in the cemetery: 19 of them are of Armenians and one is of a Dutch trader.

Two priests - Rev Johannes, who died in 1680, and Rev. Margar, who died in 1724 - are also buried here. A single dome on the premises representing the Qutb Shahi style of architecture and two mandapa-like structures, one square and the other octagonal, are distinct features of the cemetery.

The existence of the Armenian cemetery was discovered by historian Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb in 1970.

“Dr. Shakeb chanced upon a letter written by British Resident W. Haig in Hyderabad to a government official in 1907 about the Armenian cemetery. Soon, officials were informed about it and the place was identified,” Qayyum explained.

The department spent over $38.000 for renovating the place. Wild shrubs were cleared and the height of the compound wall has been raised. The authorities made sure the wall was renovated with granite, lime and mortar to keep in tune with the character of the precinct.