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Published: September 17th 2008
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It is time for us to say good bye to everyone in Mysore. Our time has run out here after all, nevertheless we had a good time in Mysore. Hopefully, our prays at Chamundiswary Temple may reduce future risks of being cheated or misled. I thought that it was not a bad choice, not having organised our trip ahead when we left Kochi.
We left our guest house to catch a bus straight to Srinagapatnam, which is situated a mere 13 km from Mysore city. We arrived at the bus station around 12pm, the bus journey has taken a little over three hours to cover 13km on the main highway. We were hungry & thirsty. So first thing we did was to head towards a local tea shop by the side of the main road. In the mean time, a kind rickshawalla was happy to take care of our belongings. I guess that he will persuade us to go with him to see all the sights in Srinagapatnam.
The rickshawalla was still outside the tea shop, waiting for us. As soon as we stepped out of the tea shop, he came towards us with a nice little smile, which
made us to agree with him to go anywhere & everywhere!
The entire town is enclosed by the river Kaveri to form an island but the recently built Bangalore - Mysore highway road cuts this island into two now.
It is said that this little island town obtained its name from a 1000 year old temple of Lord Srirangantha. I was so amused and thrilled to see this history-rich town which was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Tipu Sultan, The Tiger of Mysore, was killed at the Battle of Seringapatam in 1799 by the British. This battle was the last and deceive battle in the reign of tipu sultan, fought between Tipu Sultan and the British forces led by General Harris. .
It was really interesting to see the legacy of Tipu Sultan, who established himself as one of the greatest warriors in Indian military history, was pushed by the British into a tiny little island which was encircled by river Kaveri. I was thinking myself, that was this the ruler, who stretched out his kingdom as far as Kerala beach? Well Done - the British had done a great job!
We set off our journey from the right side of the island to the far end of it. Half-way along our destination, the three wheel had a mechanical problem, which made us to walk the remaining distance. We stopped to see the sangam, the place where three branches of river Kaveri join. There was a family, at the top of the step, conducting a pooja. I took time to look at the little boy who was playing with a little fish. It seems like the little fish has got very little life left. Three wheel driver is back and we set off again backwards. We visited following places :
1. The Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, his father Haider Ali and mother Fatima Begum. It is built on a raised platform and is surrounded by the several other tombs of relatives and nobles. The Gumbaz has splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory. Tipu's favourite Tiger stripes cover the walls. Next to the Gumbaz is a mosque, Masjid-e-aksa. A beautiful garden surrounding it makes the Gumbaz a true delight for the eyes.
The Gumbaz was a pleasant place to relax. The garden was full of mango and
rose trees. There weren't many people at the time of our visit which made us free to walk around and take photos. Once we returned back to the three wheel, a mob of children surrounded Nanu. They were demanding all kind of things from pens to coins. Nanu was rescued by the rickshawalla but the little children were not happy. In the mean time, I kept telling them that jao-jao-jao. Obviously it did not work with me, but rickshawall had a better idea. He picked a piece of stick and chase these little gundhas away:D.
2. Dariya Daulath Bagh - Tipu's Summer Palace - This Indo-Saracenic structure was built in 1784 and the amount of teak wood used in the constructions of ceilings, walls, pillars, canopies and arches is remarkable.
The construction of the Daria Daulat Bagh at Srirangapatnam was started by Haider Ali and was completed by Tipu Sultan in 1784. After long, strenuous confrontations with the British, Tipu used to relax and rejuvenate himself in the palace and its serene surroundings. What a marvellous place this is !
The halls of Daria Daulat Palace are painted on all side. The walls of the palace are
Sangam on the river Kaveri - Srirangapattana
the point where other two branches of river kaveri meet its main branch, is called sangam. covered with a lot of war scenes and portrait paintings, tastefully ornamented with floral patterns and geometric designs. The eastern hall gracefully exhibits the scenes of courts, Rajas and courtiers. The museum also contains the famous oil painting “Storming of Sirangapattanam” by Sir Robert Ker Porter which features the final fall of Srirangapatnam on 4th may 1799 & the defeat of Colonel Bailey.
No doubts, anyone would certainly relish the synthesis of the magnificence of architectural beauty and tranquillity of verdant environ in the place called Daria Daulat Bagh. It was such an amazing place to hang around. We did not noticed how long we stayed here, until the three wheel driver came to find us. He thought that we got lost somewhere between, thousands of paintings! I must confess that I was not happy to leave this place without a single photo.
We were driven to the other side of the island, which is also famous for many other reasons.
3. The Jamia Masjid was built by Tipu Sultan. The mosque is two-storeyed and has two minarets. A madrasa (religious school) is also present in its premises.
The in charge of the mosque was happy
to take us inside the premises. At the end, he came back for some donation money, which went inside his pocket in the name of the mosque and the children who studied at the madrasa. I hope that he is happy. There is no reason for us to get upset, because we are having a nice time here. We are protected by the rickshawalla!
4. Colonel Bailey's Dungeon is located by the river of Kaveri, which measures 30.5 metres X 12.2 metres and is built of brick and mortar. Prisoners were chained to stone slabs fixed on its walls. This place was named after Colonel Bailey who died here in 1780 A.D., this dungeon was used to imprison Captain Baird, Captain Rulay, Colonel Brithwite, Samson, Frazer and Lindsay by Tipu Sultan. (See prison record).According to our rickshawalla, during the siege of Srirangapatnam, one of the cannon balls rolled back, pierced the ceiling and fell into the dungeon. It is lying there still & very heavy one.
Finally we went to see a 1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganthathe. The time of our arrival was not good. There was a filming going on and a lot of people
gathered in front of the temple. I took a quick look at the actor who is already sweating and seems alarming. It is obvious that he doesn't want to dance next to the fat ugly actress.
I think that we are going to end our day here. There is a bus going to Bangalore. It was not too hard to take a decision at this time, when there is a bus waiting for us! The rickshawalla was pleased with his earning of the day. I did not forget to leave some extra in his hand.
We have taken well over three days to visit Mysore. I think that the timing was not a bother at this stage of the journey. We are quick & young!!!
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av!nash g b
non-member comment
historical place sr pana
it is a nice place to visitor..... tippu is great king and my inspiration...