Francois’ army in Hyderabad

K.S.S. SESHAN

His performance, talent, character and above all, his loyalty to the Nizam of Hyderabad earned for Francois Raymond several titles.

During the last quarter of the 18th century, an enterprising French adventurer came to India as a merchant, but became a soldier. He was Michael Joachim Marie Raymond. Raymond was born in Gascony in France on March 21, 1755. In 1775, he came to Pondicherry as a merchant. From here he went to Mysore where he joined the army in the service of Hyder Ali.

After the death of Hyder Ali, Raymond moved to Hyderabad and joined the army of Nizam Ali Khan. He improved the condition of the army and his regiment came to be called the “Corps of Francois”.

The Nizam granted him Kadapa as a jagir for maintaining the army. He was also granted a personal jagir yielding Rs. 700,000. Raymond was then appointed Controller of Ordnance or Amir-I-Jinsi.

To provide sufficient arms of good quality, Raymond established a gun foundry. Situated in the heart of the city of Hyderabad, it is now a protected monument.

Successful campaigns

In 1970, he fought against Tipu Sultan of Mysore. Four years later, when the Marathas demanded Chowth from the Nizam, Raymond fought against them. The Marathas were led by a French general, Perron.

When Mir Ali Jah, the Nizam revolted against the father and occupied the fort of Bidar in 1795, Raymond successfully led the campaign, captured Bidar and brought the recalcitrant prince back, a prisoner.

For this, the Nizam rewarded Raymond with Medak district as jagir. Raymond died in 1798. Raymond’s performance, talent and character and above all, his loyalty to the Nizam earned him several titles. Adhar-I-Jung (Dragon of Wa rs) Ajdhar-ud-Daulah (Dragon among Nobles), Mutwar-ul-Mulk (Bravest in the State) were some of the titles bestowed on him.

In gratitude to his services, the Nizam built a tomb for Raymond and on the face of the tall obelisk, is studded a marble tablet on which the initials “J.R.” are engraved. The Nizam also ordered for the conduct of an annual “urs” at the tomb in which both Hindus and Muslims participated. The locality where his tomb is in Hyderabad bears his name Mossaram Bagh.

(The Hindu:01:06:2007)

_______________________________________