India, Nov. 13 -- Hyderabad's neighbourhood names often carry stories from the city's past. Gunfoundry, near Abids, is one such example. Its name has a rather unusual connection to the city's history, dating back to the late 18th century.

The story involves a French military officer who served the Nizam and left behind a legacy that can still be traced in this part of Hyderabad.

Raymond established an arsenal where cannons, cannonballs, muskets and other weapons were manufactured for the Nizam's army. The facility was located at Fateh Maidan, near present-day Abids, and became an important part of the Nizam's military arrangements. Over time, the surrounding locality came to be known as Gunfoundry.

Historical accounts differ on the exa...