Page:Historic Landmarks of the Deccan.djvu/230

2l8 urus or festival at his tomb, on the occasion of which a bottle of French brandy and a cock are presented as acceptable offerings to his manes. His profession of the Christian religion is nevertheless indicated by a series of large crosses, painted in red around the plinth. The festival of Musa Rahmu is an interesting study in hero-worship and the development of popular religion.

To the south of Haidarabad stands a high hill already mentioned as that from which Colonel Meadows Taylor obtained his favourite view of the city and the surrounding country. This is now occupied by Falaknuma Castle, a modern palace built by the late Sir Vikar-ul-Umara, formerly the Nizam's minister, from whom it was purchased some twelve years ago by the present Nizam. The exterior of the building possesses no architectural merit, but it is beautifully situated and its marble entrance hall and staircase are extremely handsome. The Nizam does not occupy this, the finest of his palaces, but places it at the disposal of guests whom he desires to honour. Its most distinguished occupants have been the present Prince and Princess of Wales.