Always
marked by diversity, every region of India reflects a unique
perspective, a legacy as varied as the fabric of the country
today.
Not
far from Mysore lies the city of Seringapatnam, the capital
of the Mysore Rajahs in the 17th and 18th centuries. Hyder Ali
and Tipu Sultan were the most well known kings. The final conquest
by the British in 1799 was achieved by breaching the Fort wall
and entering the kingdom.
The ruins of Tipu Sultan’s fortified palaces and the Sultan’s
favourite mosque – the Juma Masjid are worth a visit.
The Daria Daulat Bagh palace is beautifully adorned with ornate
arches, ceilings and liberally gilded panels. Along the walls
are frescoes depicting the luxury lives of the rulers
Another
outstanding monument is the tomb of Tipu Sultan- the Gumbaz.
A cream coloured structure standing on black marble pillars,
with a delicately carved lattice balcony balustrade enhanced
at the four corners by minarets. The interior is lacquered with
Tipu’s tiger stripe emblem and the doors of ebony are
inlaid with ivory.