XV.
Mahomedan Roadside Tombs near Hyderabad.
Tombs similar to those shown in this view are common throughout the Nizam's territory, and may be seen in the environs of every town or village. They are constructed of brick and chunam or stucco, and sometimes of stone. They are frequently overshadowed by banyan trees, a fine example of which (the Ficus Indica) is represented in the accompanying view. This tree attains an enormous size in India, the branches sometimes extending over two acres. Though of such colossal area, the banyan tree rarely exceeds eighty feet in height. The fruit, which is small and of a deep scarlet, is only eaten by birds and monkeys.
The Tombs shown in the plate are situated near the shrine of Boorhan Sahib, and on the road into the general cemetery.
