He was the first prime minister during the reign of Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah and was instrumental in the planning of Hyderabad including the location of the magnificent Charminar. But not many know about him or his grave.

Mir Momin Astarabadi now is buried at a graveyard at the Mir Momin Ka Daira in Sultan Shahi, a little ahead of Charminar.

The place gets its name through his tomb. Historians say that Mir Momim himself got the tomb constructed at the place when he was alive.

Iranian immigrant

A first generation Iranian, he migrated to the Golconda Kingdom in the late 15th century and is known to have embossed Iranian influence on the city. He held a crucial position in the administration and governance.

His tomb was lying in a state of neglect for many years until the Iranian consulate intervened. A fresh coat of plaster was given to the lime structure, and plans were afoot to undertake beautification works.

Work stopped

The work was stopped for some reasons, and now the structure presents a dull look, says Syed Hameed Hussain Jaffery, president, A.P. Shia Youth Conference.

The premises have numerous tombs and mausoleums including that of Mir Abul Qasim, also known as Mir Alam after whom the tank near the zoo park is named. However, the necropolis is now riddled with problems.

Govt alerted

Except for the maintenance of a couple of tombs, many other old structures of the 18 and 19 century are fast losing their sheen. The other day Mr. Jaffery represented the matter to the Wakf Board and other departments demanding that the government take steps to restore the structures at the Mir Momin Ka Daira.

“The historic structures as well as the entire graveyard is in pretty bad shape,” Mr. Jaffery complains. He wants the government to take up immediate restoration work.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Asif Yar Khan / June 18th, 2013