Tipu’s Fort, Bangalore– A portrayal of Bravery and Dexterity

The now modern city of Bangalore represents the historic era of the mighty emperor of Mysore Tipu Sultan and his gallantry. The Tipu’s Fort is situated close to the busy Krishna Rajendra city market at the intersection of Krishna Rajendra Road and Albert Victoria Road. Tipu Sultan’s palace also known as the ‘Abode of Happiness’ encloses the precinct of the castle.

Inside view of Tipu’s Fort Bangalore. Image courtesy: Pavithrah

The origins of the fort date back to 1537 by Kempe Gowda the founder of Bangalore who constructed a mud fort with a perimeter of one mile surrounded by a trench and nine gates. The Fort also bears the imprint of the struggle of the mighty King against the British domination.

The Tipu’s Fort which is a prominent landmark of the city of Bangalore depicts intricate Islamic style architect. The palace was built by Tipu Sultan and he named it as “Rash e Zannat” meaning “Envy of Heavens”. The sultan used the palace as a summer retreat and was built completely of teak wood. The palace was opened to the general public in 2005.

Bangalore Fort in 1860 – fortifications and barracks. Image courtesy: Nicholas Bros

Quick Facts about Tipu’s Fort

Opening Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (All days of the week)
Entry Fee: INR 15/- per head for Indians. INR 200/-per person for foreigners
Camera: INR 25/- per camera
Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Address: New Tharagupet, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560002 (MAP)

Bangalore fort, tipu's fort, tipu's summer palce

Tipu’s Summer Palace, Bangalore. Image courtesy: Mousumi2013photo

History of Tipu’s Fort

The now Fort of Bangalore’s history can be traced back to 1537 when Kempe Gowda the founder of the city built the fort with mud. The fort in the year 1761 was renovated by Hyder Ali and he strengthened it with stone. Hyder Ali, the father of Tipu Sultan captivated David Bird and several British army officers in the fort. The Tipu’s Fort construction was initiated by his father in 1781 which was then completed by his son in 1791.

The Fort of Bangalore covered an area of about 1 mile and was surrounded by a moat or a wide ditch which was commanded by 26 towers encircling the ramparts of the fort. The fort of Bangalore in 1791 was attacked by the army of British East India Company, after killing around 2000 people. On 21 March the British Army ruptured through the walls of the castle near the Delhi Gate and captured it.

Tipu’s Summer Palace, Bangalore. Image courtesy: Pamri

Architecture of Tipu’s Fort

Tipu Sultan Palace stands on a strong stone plinth and the whole palace is constructed with teak wood, stone, mortar, and plaster. The palace is a two story structure aided by exquisitely carved wooden pillars which rest over the stone base.

The teak wood pillars support giant wooden beams which constitute the entire palace. The delicately carved pillars are combined together with bracket and curved arches intricately carved and painted in two colors portraying indo- Islamic work of Architecture. The bases of the pillars are so beautifully carved with a design that it appears that the pillars are emerging from the flowers. The walls and ceiling of the palace are embellished with beautiful floral motifs.

The way to the first floor is guided by four staircases which lead to a large hall with four rooms placed at four corners of the hall. The rooms were called the Zenana Rooms for all the female members of the royal family. The hall has two projecting balconies on the east and the west side of the hall. It is said that the sultan addressed his state officials sitting in the balconies while he holds the Durbar from the hall.

Inside view of Tipus’s Fort Bangalore. Image courtesy: Sanimator2014

Museum

The palace now hosts a museum from the four rooms on the ground floor displaying the artifacts and antique collection from the era showcasing the heroics and chivalry of the Mysore King and the luxurious lifestyle of the royals. The crown and clothes of the royal king embedded in gold and silver are displayed. Amidst the other collection, you will also find silver vessels that were gifted to Tipu Sultan’s father Hyder Ali by a general. There is a display of portraits of people and places of the era created in the recent past.

The fort area also boasts a spectacular temple of Lord Ganesha Temple built in the year 1790 in the vicinity of the palace. The temple depicts the respect for other religions by the brave Sultan. The fort area also encompasses an art gallery displaying a number of paintings, pictures, photos and delicate carvings of the past era. A must place to visit when in Bangalore.

The Tipu Sultan Fort is an iconic monument attracting not only tourist around the year but a place of interest for historians and archeologist.