Walking Through History: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Bangalore Fort

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Bengaluru, popularly known as the Garden City of India, is a city where the modern and the historical exist side by side. Beneath its busy streets, bustling markets, and expanding metro network lies a fascinating history shaped by different dynasties, rulers, battles, and centuries of change.

On one of my visits to Bengaluru, I decided to explore a small but significant part of this history on foot — beginning with Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and ending at the historic Bangalore Fort.

A Glimpse into Bengaluru’s Past

The history of Bengaluru goes back several centuries. The city is traditionally associated with Kempegowda, a feudatory of the Vijayanagara Empire, who founded Bengaluru in 1537.

Over the years, the city changed hands between several rulers. In the eighteenth century, Bengaluru became an important stronghold of the Mysore rulers. Hyder Ali took control of Bengaluru in 1758 and subsequently strengthened its fortifications.

The city later became the scene of conflict between the forces of Tipu Sultan and the British. During the Third Anglo-Mysore War, Lord Cornwallis captured the fortified city in 1791. Following the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792, it was returned to Tipu Sultan.

With this historical background in mind, I began my walk at Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Located within the old Bangalore Fort area, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace is an elegant example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Construction was begun by Hyder Ali and completed by his son, Tipu Sultan, in 1791.

The entrance fee was just Rs. 5, making it an inexpensive way to step into an important chapter of Bengaluru's history.

The view from the entrance was impressive. A well-maintained garden led towards the palace, and beyond it stood the beautiful two-storeyed wooden structure.

Unlike many grand stone palaces, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace has a distinctive character because of its extensive use of wood. The massive wooden pillars rest on stone bases, while the walls and interiors are decorated with colourful floral motifs.

Four staircases lead to the upper chambers, which were used as the durbar, where Tipu Sultan received guests and conducted important affairs.

Front view of  Tipu Sultan's Palace

A Palace Preserved in Time

Today, the palace is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The ground-floor rooms have been converted into a small museum displaying objects and information connected with Tipu Sultan and his administration.

Portraits depicting personalities and places from the period adorn the rooms. Historical objects associated with Tipu Sultan are also displayed, including representations of his clothing and crown.

The exhibits provide a glimpse into the world of the Mysore court and help bring alive the history that unfolded within these walls.

After spending some time exploring the palace, I continued my walk towards my next destination — Bangalore Fort.

Walking Towards Bangalore Fort

Bangalore Fort is within walking distance of Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. The contrast between old and new Bengaluru becomes particularly noticeable on this short walk.

Across the road stood the newly constructed Namma Metro. I walked past the city bus stand, the busy City Market, tiny shops, and a small temple.

Amid all this bustle stood the remains of an old fort — a reminder of a Bengaluru that existed long before the modern city grew around it.

Third gate of the Bangalore Fort

Bangalore Fort

The present entrance to Bangalore Fort has attractive stone motifs and decorative designs. Once inside, however, what immediately catches the eye is the open lawn surrounded by the remains of the historic fortifications.

The original fort was oval in plan, with massive gateways and round bastions. Several gates once provided access to different parts of the fort, including the Delhi Gate, Yelahanka Gate, Ulsoor Gate, Kanakanahalli Gate, Mysore Gate, and Kengeri Gate.

A dry moat once surrounded the fort.

Today, only fragments of this once-formidable structure remain, but they are enough to evoke its former grandeur.

The Ganesha Temple

One of the interesting remnants inside the fort is a small, old Ganesha temple.

An old Lord Ganesha Temple inside the Fort

Standing beside the massive fortifications, the temple is a reminder of the many layers of history that have accumulated within this space.

It is easy to walk past these remains without realizing how much history they represent. But pausing for a moment and looking closely at the old stones makes the past seem remarkably close.

Where Cornwallis Breached the Fort

Among the most fascinating features of Bangalore Fort are its granite walls and the beautiful stucco decorations that survive on them.

A tablet embedded in the wall marks the location associated with the breach made by Lord Cornwallis when British forces captured the fort in 1791.

Standing there, I found myself imagining the events of more than two centuries ago — the fortified walls, the soldiers, the siege, and the battle that changed the course of Bengaluru's history.

Another evocative spot is the dark room associated with the imprisonment of Captain David Baird and other Englishmen during Tipu Sultan's rule. The gloomy space offers a striking contrast to the open lawns and bright surroundings outside.

Eventhough the visiting area in the Fort is quite small, the story behind the Fort and its beauty will tempt you to spend  atleast an hour inside the Fort.