Tipu Sultan Fort and Palace Bangalore
In the most crowded market area of Bangalore lies the remnants of Tipu’s Fort – a silent testament of Tipu’s battle against British regime. The fort was constructed during 1781-179 and was the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. It is a two-storied wooden structure, carved out of Teakwood with decorated pillars, concave arches and balconies. Today the fort houses a museum adorned with ancient artifact of Hyder-Tipu regime.
About Tipu Sultan Fort and Palace :
Tipu Sultan‘s fort was constructed by Kempe Gowda in 1537. Tipu Sultan himself expanded it later. Tipu’s Fort now stands as a silent testimony of the battles that he fought against the British regime. It was during the battle between East India Company and Hyder Ali – the father of Tipu Sultan, when Hyder imprisoned David Baird along with a number of British army officers in this fort.
The Fort used to be the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. It is a two-storied wooden structure. Abundant use of Teakwood with decorated pillars, concave arches and balconies make it one of the magnificent monuments. The artifact of Hyder-Tipu’s regime is now displayed in the fort. This fort is a replica of the Daria Daulat Bagh in Srirangapattana. Tipu called it Rashk-e-Jannat, or the “Envy of Heaven” as the fort comforted him from the scorching heat of simmer. The palace housed the public administrative offices from 1831. When it grew manifold Tipu shifted the offices to the Attara Kacheri in 1868.
Tipu Sultan Fort Features :
The layout of the Palace is lavish. It is also known as the “Abode of Peace”. This beautiful Palace is carved out of costly teakwood which presents it a grand look. The fort is famed for its ravishing carved arches on the gate walls showcasing magnificent style of Islamic architecture. Its exquisite floral patterns on the walls and ceilings are worth mentioning. A Ganesha Temple in the quadrant of the fort represents Tipu Sultan’s religious tolerance.
The visitors are often mesmerized by the design in medieval style with foiled windows, battlements and tall structure akin the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam.The large fort is spreaded over an area of 400-acre, inspired by the Windsor castle. The prime attraction of the fort is the art gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities besides the delicate carvings and paintings.
Visiting The Palace :
In June 2005 the palace was opened to the public by Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar to meet Rs 20 lakh as an annual upkeep costs of the palace. The main charm of the fort is the art gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities besides the delicate carvings and paintings.
Accessibility to the Fort :
There are regular bus services undertaken by Karnataka Transport (KSTDC). City bus service is competent and quite reasonable. The metered auto-rickshaws and tourist taxis are the other modes of transportation in the city. KSTDC also facilitates car hire, for taking up a city tour or for travelling to near by spots. The number of yellow tops is limited in the city.
