Srirangapatna Fort is a historical fort located in Srirangapatna, the historical capital city in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Srirangapatna Fort in Karnataka India that Tipu finally lay dead – betrayed by one of his own 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).
Srirangapatna Fort first built in 1454, Srirangapatna Fort had seen many changes and renovations which came with the change in the reigns. This fort, due the lack of a fort in Mysore city, was established as prime defense center for many decades. Srirangapatna Fort dates back to 15th century. In 1454, it was built as a mud fort during the reign of Vijayanagara Empire by a local chieftain named Timmanna Hebbar. However, later as the Vijayanagar Rule ended and the region came under the control of Mysore Wodeyar King, Kanthirava Narasaraja Wodeyar, this fort was rebuilt in 1654. It eventually came under Tipu Sultan; during his rule major changes were made to the fort. It was then developed as a prime defense base from where Tipu Sultan with his army had launched attack on British Army. Later in 1799, British Army had defeated Tipu Sultan and he was killed in fort itself.
Architecture of Srirangapatna Fort (Tipu’s Fort) built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, Srirangapatna Fort has impressive structure that allures every visitor. At the gateway of the fort, there is a Persian inscription mentioning the date of construction. The fort has impressive four gates Delhi, Bangalore, Mysore and Water and Elephant Gates along with double walls while on three ide the walls are as high as 40 feet, making it one of the strongest forts of its time. Inside the fort, there is a Rocket Court. This is the place from where Tipu Sultan’s army used to launch missiles.
Another striking feature of Srirangapatna Fort is the Lal Mahal which used to be the residence of Tipu Sultan. The palace is now in ruins and is marked by a board describing the same. Lal Mahal Palace is said to be of excellence design, consisting of audience hall, women’s quarters called as Zenana and a library. The fort was equipped with advanced drainage and piping system. This fort is spread over 240 acres of land and is said to have around 1500 houses and inhabited close to 6000 people. There are also two chambers inside the fort compound where prisoners were kept.
The double-walled Srirangapatna Fort in Mysore Karnataka features four gates – 1) Bangalore, 2) Mysore, 3) Delhi and 4) Water and Elephant gates. There are two dungeons within the fort precincts, where prisoners were held captive. 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.
How to reaching to Srirangapatna Fort near Mysore
The fort located in the town of Srirangapatna, which is around 23 km away from Mysore and is on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, this fort can be easily accessed via road. The town is surrounded by Kaveri River, and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. There are frequent buses from Mysore and Bangalore to Srirangapatna. Tourists can also hire a taxi and travel. Within the town, one can take locally run auto rickshaws.
