Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna is one of the top ancient sites in Karnataka. UNESCO even nominated the town as a world heritage site. It is an island town located by the river Kaveri giving it scenic beauty. The town of Srirangapatna boasts the architectural style of the Vijayanagar and Hoysala dynasties. Srirangapatna receives its name from the famous Ranganathaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Ranganathaswamy Temple is a magnificent temple that beholds the gaze of the tourists. Kunti Betta hill, Balmuri, and Edmuri waterfalls are must-see spots. The town is host to numerous historical monuments and sites like Daria Daulat Bagh, Srirangapatna Fort, Gumbaz of Tipu Sultan, Jama Masjid, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, and much more

History of Srirangapatna

First built in 1454, Srirangapatna Fort had seen many changes and renovations which came with the change in the reigns. This fort, due to the lack of a fort in Mysore city, was established as a prime defense center for many decades.

Srirangapatna Fort dates back to the 15th century. In 1454, it was built as a mud fort during the reign of the 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 an attack on British Army. Later in 1799, British Army had defeated Tipu Sultan and he was killed in the fort itself.

Architecture of Srirangapatna

Built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, Srirangapatna Fort has an 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 sides the walls are as high as 40 feet, making it one of the strongest forts 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 excellent design, consisting of an audience hall, women’s quarters called 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 is inhabited by close to 6000 people. There are also two chambers inside the fort compound where prisoners were kept.