Really, the ruins of Tipu’s former palace. Per British historians’ and travelers’ accounts, it was once quite stunning. The library was particularly impressive; after killing Tipu Sultan, the British soldiers brought the rare manuscripts and books once contained therein to England. The palace was dismantled between 1807-1809 AD. Excavations revealed a sophisticated system of underground […]
Tag Archives | India
Jamia Masjid
This mosque was built by Tipu Sultan in 1787 AD and is a mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture. It’s in pretty sad shape now, but you can imagine the grandeur of centuries past. The main features are the two majestic minarets adorned with floral cornices and parapets. Climb a staircase to the top for […]
Srirangapatnam
It’s hard to believe Srirangapatnam, this tiny island-based fort town, was the de facto capital of much of southern India during the 18th century. Apparently, power-hungry father-and-son team Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan preferred life in the slow lane, at least until 1799 when the British waged an epic battle and killed Tipu Sultan here […]
Bull Temple
Bull Temple indeed! This efficient temple contains a huge granite monolith of Nandi and was built by Kempegowda in the 16th-century in Dravidian style, which is unique to South India. Main features of the Dravidian architectural style are koils, or pyramid-shaped temples, and intricate carved stone showing deities, warrior, kings and dancers in a step […]
Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Bangalore
An abode of happiness and an envy of heaven. Aaaah. Or so says a stone pillar inside this palace, constructed in 1791 by the infamous violent ruler. Tipu Sultan (1750-1799), a Muslim in a kingdom of Hindus, was known as the Tiger of Mysore. He ruled Mysore after his father, Hyder Ali, died. Tipu had […]
Venkataramana Swamy Temple, Bangalore
Fire! Music! Chanting! I’m not sure what was going on here, but it was pretty extravagant. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, a form of the god Vishnu. Mysore ruler Chikka Devaraya Wodiyar constructed this in the 16th century in the Dravidian style, which is unique to South India. Main features of the Dravidian […]
Bengaluru Palace
Bizarro Windsor Castle? No, it’s Bengalaru Palace. These Wodeyars really knew how to live! This was yet another private residence of the dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399-1947. If this structure looks familiar in a can’t-put-your-finger-on-it sort of way, that’s because it was designed to look like Windsor Castle. The now-aged but […]
St. Philomena Cathedral, Mysore
I didn’t notice the dearth of cathedrals in India until I saw this. Oddly, seeing this colorful church was like encountering an old friend. I’m not religious at all, but cathedrals are ubiquitous in Europe and often serve as the showy centerpiece of towns. St. Philomena was constructed between 1933-41 in a neo-Gothic style. This […]
Mysore
When I heard Mysore was the most flamboyant place in South India, I naturally thought of, oh, Halloween in West Hollywood or Christmas in Palm Springs and couldn’t wait to go. Well, it’s not that kind of flamboyant. It is, however, colorful and full of sandalwood, silk and incense. And as much yoga and ayurveda […]
Maharaja’s Palace, Mysore
The Wodeyar maharajas (kings) didn’t spare any expense when they constructed this grand palace – twice. The original structure was gutted in an 1897 fire, and the current one was completed in 1912. This is the main attraction in Mysore, and for good reason. The interior is striking – bright colors, stained glass, lots of […]
