Srirangapatna Fort in Karnataka, India, where Tipu finally lay dead – betrayed by one of his men. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he was killed. After defeating Tipu and his folks, the British went on to loot and plunder Srirangapatna and Srirangapatna Fort (Tipu’s Palace).
One of the must-visit monuments on any Tour to Karnataka, the double-walled Srirangapatna Fort in Mysore, Karnataka, features four gates – Bangalore, Mysore, Delhi, and Water and Elephant gates. In addition, there are two dungeons within the fort precincts, where prisoners were held captive.
Srirangapatna Fort History
Srirangapatna Fort in Karnataka has gone through many changes over several reigns. This was the prime defense for decades as Mysore city did not have a fort.
The fort was built in the 15th century as a mud fort under the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire by a local chieftain named Timmanna Hebbar. As the years went by, the fort came under the rule of Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar, Mysore Wodeyar King, who rebuilt it in 1654.
Eventually, Srirangapatna Fort got under Tipu Sultan, who made major changes to the fort. He developed this as the chief defense base and attacked the British Army. In 1799, the British Army defeated Tipu Sultan and killed him in this fort.
Srirangapatna Fort Architecture
There is a simple structure within Srirangapatna Fort (Tipu’s Palace) – with about 40 ft. high walls on three sides – which is believed to be the “rocket court” or the launch pad from where Tipu’s men used to launch their missiles. Lalmahal – Tipu’s residence was also housed within the Srirangapatna Fort (Tipu’s Palace). But it was completely demolished by the British, and the spot is today marked by a mere mound with a notice board on top of it.
Other tourist attractions of Srirangapatna
Tourist places that are worth a visit while on tour to Srirangapatna Fort (Tipu’s Palace) include –
- The Gumbaz – Tipu’s marvelous tomb, renowned for its architecture and craftsmanship, lying outside the Fort
- The Ranganathaswamy Temple – dedicated to Lord Vishnu as ‘Ranganatha’.
- The Daria Daulat Palace, or the Palace of Tipu Sultan, is also a must-visit site, built of teakwood and adorned by colorful wall frescoes.
- The Masjid-e-Ala, or the Juma Masjid at Srirangapatna, is famous for its towering minarets.
