Raja Desingh tombs become den of anti-social elements

The step was taken after several archaeology enthusiasts and visitors complained that the tombs, which are located close to the Chennai–Bengaluru Highway on the banks of the Palar at Ranipet, has become a hub of anti-social activities.

As anti-social elements use the place for drinking and gambling regularly, the place has become inaccessible for regular visitors, they added.

According to numismatist and philatelist Tamilvanan, who is also a history lover, Raja Desingh was defeated by the Arcot Nawab Sadat Ullah Khan for refusing to pay tribute in July 1714. When Desingh’s body was cremated, Ranibai committed sati by jumping into his funeral pyre.

To honour her devotion as a wife, Sadat Ullah Khan built a town on the bank of river Palar and named it Ranipet. “The mausoleums of the royal couple are losing it glory and will vanish altogether if official action is not taken quickly,” says Tamilvanan.

When he approached the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and requested the officials to restore the monument, he was told that action can only be taken by the district authorities.

“Though I was lauded for my intentions, they bluntly told me that the district Collector has to initiate the action,” he added.

When DT Next contacted ASI, sources said the tombs fall under the purview of the State Archaeology Department.

They added that they cannot take any steps to restore them unless the monument is handed to the ASI and the procedure would take time. Though sources from State Archaeology Department claimed that they are trying to identify the ownership of the land, the work isprogressing at snail’s pace worsening the condition of the monument.