Tombeau de Premier Ministre Rainiharo
Tombeau de Premier Ministre Rainiharo
Tombeau de Premier Ministre Rainiharo (Av. Victoire Rassamanarivo, Antananarivo) – built between 1846 and 1854 by French industrialist Jean Laborde, this mausoleum was dedicated to the country’s former Prime Minister (and Field Mashall) Rainiharo, who served Queen Ranavalona I. Rainiharo passed away in 1852 and was buried here with full honors. This mausoleum would later include the bodies of Rainiharo’s two sons (who would each succeed him as Commander-in-Chief, Prime Minister, and adviser).
Rainiharo came from a prominent local family. His father, Andriantsilavonandriana, served as an adviser to King Andrianampoinimerina. After his successful role as a military officer (which involved campaigns to pacify rebellious southeastern regions of the island), Rainiharo was chosen to be a spouse of Queen Ranavalona I after his previous husband’s death in 1833. As part of his marriage to the Queen, he was promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the country’s military, and Prime Minister.
Free admission.