Gumbaz is the Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan (Tiger of Mysore), and his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima Begam. The importance of Gumbaz lies in its well-shaped large dome with ivory inlaid doors and carved stone windows of fine workmanship and inscriptions.
About Gumbaz :
Gumbaz was built by Tipu Sultan between 1782 and 1784. Located in the midst of the Lalbagh Garden, it is the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fatima Begum. The structure stands on a high and wide platform with an open verandah of polished pillars all around.
Well-shaped large dome, ivory inlaid doors, carved stone windows of fine workmanship and inscriptions are the highlights of this site. Walls are covered by Tipu’s favourite tiger stripes. Tomb of Hyder Ali lies in the centre, which has tombs of Tipu Sultan and Fatima Begam on either side.
Tombs of Hyder Ali’s other family members are located in the verandah and on the platform. Built on a stone plinth, the structure has polished black granite pillars that run along the corridor around the inner chamber. Laid out amidst Lalbagh Garden, typical of Islamic architecture, it also houses the Masjid-E-Ala. The structure has a tablet in Persian script that speaks of the martyrdom of Tipu Sultan in 1799 AD.
Tourists can travel to the site by road, car hire and auto-rickshaws.
Attractions Of Gumbaz at Srirangapatna, Karnataka :
Gumbaz is the burial chamber of Tipu Sultan, his father Haider Ali and mother Fatima Begum. It is built on a lifted platform and is circumvented by various other tombs of his relatives and nobles.
The Gumbaz has magnificent ebony doors decorated with ivory which was presented by Lord Dalhousie. The interior walls are covered with lacquer Tiger stripes which is Tipu’s favourite. A corridor lined by pillars of black amphibole walls Gumbaz.
Masjid-e-aksa a mosque is situated next to the Gumbaz. The Gumbaz is surrounded by a beautiful gardens adds to its beauty.
History :
In 18th century when the Tomb was originally made, it was flanked with three entrance doors, made completely out of Gold and Silver. They were disengaged by the British after they conquered Srirangapatna and sent to London. Currently they are exhibited at Albert Museum of London.
The 36 pillars in the structure denote the 36 years rule of Hyder & Tipu (Together) over Mysore. The first wife of Tipu is buried at Vellore.
A mosque or Masjid-E-Aksa is attached to the Gumbaz, local parishioners offer prayers regularly at this place. Also an olden day’s horse stable is found in the premises.
How to Reach :
Like in other cities of Karnataka, autos are the main mode of transportation to reach the attraction or roam inside the city. Taxis and buses are also available in plenty.
