Name: Bangalore
Rating: 3.2

Tipu Sultan, Bangalore Overview

Located at the juncture of Albert Victor Road and Krishna Rajendra, is the magnificent accommodation of the valiant ruler of Mysore- Tipu Sultan. The palace is located in the Bangalore Fort which is situated in old Bangalore in the south-west Indian state of Karnataka. An exquisite example of Indo- Islamic architecture, the opulent palace was once used as a summer retreat by the king and was often referred to as the 'Abode of Happiness' and 'Rash e Jannat' meaning 'Envy of Heaven'. Amongst one of the most noteworthy creations of the ancient times, the palace boasts of ornamental frescoes, magnificent arches, protruding balconies and brilliant motifs. One can take a good leisurely stroll across the balconies before entering the palace. One is bound to get a glimpse into the royal lifestyle of Tipu Sultan as they explore the palace.

The construction of the fort started during the reign of Hyder Ali and was completed in 1791, during the rule of Tipu Sultan. Among the several unique aspects of the two-storeyed palace are its huge wooden pillars, glorifying brackets and its all- around idyllic and placid setting. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the British used the monument for its Secretariat until about 1868, before moving to Attara Kacheri. Blessed with lush green gardens, flowering shrubs and sparkling fountains, the palace is an attractive tourist site and a slice of solitude in the heart of the city. Lately, a small part of the fort has also been converted into a museum showcasing various events of the life and times of Tipu Sultan. Once tourists enter the fort, they are bound to feel like they have entered a different place and a different era altogether. The palace has a serene vibe that will make one feel at peace the moment they walk in.

History of Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Tipu Sultan's Palace was built in between 1781 and 1791 under the reign of the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan inside the Bangalore Fort. The work commenced under the guidance and supervision of Hyder Ali in 1781, and the palace was completely ready by 1791. Tipu Sultan used this fort as his summer palace and also to run his administration from Bangalore. After the death of the Mysorean Ruler in 1799 during the fourth Anglo-Mysorean war the palace and the fort was captured by the British who used the palace as a Secretariat before they relocated to Attara Kacheri. Post Independence, the historical monument was handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India.

Architecture of Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is a wonderful specimen of Indo- Saracenic style of architecture. The two-storeyed palace has been built solely of wood, teak, stone, mortar and plaster, and is supported by huge wooden pillars with bases of stones. The rectangular building has accentuated arches and brackets. The ceilings have been modified and have pretty carvings on them. While the interiors and the walls have been beautifully done with intricate paintings and floral motifs, the outward walls have portrayals of wars, historical events and glorious kings. The 'Zenana' quarters, meaning the dwelling of royal women, are constructed in the corners of the first floor itself. The chambers have been prettified with elaborate features and frescoes. Four flight of steps lead upstairs where the King supposedly conducted his durbars from the eastern and western balconies. Not far away is located the colossal mausoleum housing the graves of Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali.

Tipu Sultan's Throne

Tipu Sultan's Throne is considered as a magnificent work of art. From the designs preserved by ASI, we now know that the throne rested on a life-size Tiger that was artistically made of wood and covered in gold sheets and precious stones. The Royal Seat had a length of 8 feet, was 11 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Smaller heads of tiger encircled the throne. The throne also had a beautiful ornamental canopy above the seat with an Huma bird, also known as the bird of Paradise, perched on it. The throne had steps of silver and decorated with some smaller heads of tigers. All of these parts were covered in sheets of gold and decorated with stunning precious stones. When the British captured Tipu Sultan's Palace after his death in 1799, the throne was dismantled and auctioned in pieces.

Museum at Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

A small part of Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace has been converted into a museum lately, which displays various antiques and knick-knacks of Tipu Sultan himself and his father, Hyder Ali. It showcases weapons of war, clothes and knight armors of the two kings, coins, crowns etc. Besides, it has sketches and portraits of prominent rulers of the era gone-by. The museum also houses a replica of Tipu's Tiger, the original one of which is in Victoria and Albert Museum, London. In addition to this, the famous oil - painting by Sir Robert Ker Porter called 'Storming of Srirangapatna' dating back to the 1800s is displayed here, among other valuable collections. One unforgettable portrait is the one depicting Tipu Sultan's sons surrendering to General Baird while the family is mourning around the carcass of Tipu Sultan after his death.

Tips For Visiting Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

1. A pay and use toilettes are available inside the fort premises.
2. It is advisable that tourists avail post-paid metered taxis to ensure the commute is not charged extra by the drivers.
3. Local guides are available.

How To Reach Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Bangalore is well- connected by metro lines. The nearest metro station to Tipu Sultan palace is Majestic, falling on both purple and green lines. After getting down at the metro station, you can take a local rickshaw. The palace is hardly 3 kms away from the station. Alternatively, hiring a private taxi cab is the easiest option but is slightly expensive. You can also choose to travel in the state-run city buses which cover all of the city.