Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace: The Rich Heritage of Indian Architecture

Are you an Antiquarian? Does the historical architecture and buildings fascinate you?

If so, India is definitely worth a visit!

India is flanked by aesthetic and magnificent monuments from its top North to the bottom South.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer palace in Bangalore is one such exquisite and impeccable example of India’s rich culture and heritage.

The picturesque beauty of the palace gives you a break from the hubbub of the city and lets you enjoy the depths of Indian architecture.

This post covers all the details about Tipu Sultan’s Summer palace. Let’s dive in to know more!

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace Bangalore: An Overview

As the name suggests, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace was the summer residence of the Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan.

The palace is an exquisite example of Indo – Islamic architecture located in the Bangalore Fort, which depicts the rich heritage of Indian artistry and architecture.

History

Tipu Sultan’s Summer palace’s construction started under his father, Hyder Ali, in 1781 and commenced for the next ten years until the brilliant palace was finally completed in 1791.

This palace served as the summer residence of the Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan from where he took charge of administration in the Bangalore region.

The palace was captured by the British, who used the palace as a Secretariat before they relocated to Attara Kacheri after the death of Tipu Sultan in the year 1799.

Post independence, this palace was freed from British capture and was handed over to the Archeological Survey of India.

Architecture

Tipu Sultan’s Summer palace is an exquisite example of Indo – Islamic architecture, which is located in the Bangalore Fort, in the old Bangalore city situated in the Indian state of Karnataka.

With its carved aesthetic and magnificent architecture, the palace building boasts outstanding construction, lush green parks, protruding balconies, and mesmerizing motifs.

Tipu Sultan’s summer palace is also referred to as the ‘Abode of Happiness’ and ‘Rash e Jannat,’ which means ‘Envy of Heaven.’

The entire palace is flanked by acres of square area and gives a glimpse of the lavish and royal lifestyle led by the ruler Tipu Sultan.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Tipu Sultan’s summer palace is a two-storeyed Indo – Islamic designed building made entirely from wood, teak, stone, mortar, and plaster.

Huge wooden pillars with stone bases for strength support the whole construction.

The interior of the palace has been designed beautifully with huge paintings, floral motifs, and superb artistry, and the ceilings have been carved.

The palace’s outer walls consist of paintings of great kings, mighty rulers, and glorious battlefields.

The quarters for the royal women were constructed on the first floor, while the eastern and western balconies were supposedly used for the conduction of darbars by the king.

Near the palace is the colossal mausoleum, which contains the pious graves of Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali.

The Throne

Tipu Sultan’s throne is one of the most talked about thrones in the world and is an aesthetic piece of art.

Tipu Sultan’s throne rested on a life-sized tiger made up of wood which was then plated using gold and carved with precious stones.

The throne’s seat was 8 feet long, 11 feet tall, and 5 feet wide, encircled by smaller tiger heads.

There was a canopy above the royal seat with a Huma bird, also called the Bird of Paradise.

The steps to the throne were made of silver and decorated with smaller heads of tigers in praise of the ruler.

All these structures were plated or covered with gold and decorated with precious stones to add stars to the beauty of Tipu Sultan’s throne.

After the British capture, the throne was dismantled and auctioned in pieces.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace Museum

Tipu Sultan’s summer palace consists of a beautiful museum on its periphery which showcases the glorious history of the ruler and his father, Hyder Ali.

The museum is full of sketches and paintings of the rulers of the bygone era and consists of samples of their weapons, armor, coins, clothes, and more.

The museum also contains a replica of Tipu’s tiger, the original one stored in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the famous oil – painting called the ‘Storming of Srirangapatna’ by Sir Robert Ker Porter.

The museum’s most sparkling site is the painting depicting the surrender of Tipu Sultan’s sons to General Baird while his family mourns his death.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace Entry Fee

The Archeological Survey of India has tried to keep the visiting fees for the Tipu Sultan’s summer palace very low.

The entry fee is as follows:

• Indians: INR 15/-
• Foreigners: INR 200/-

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace Timings

Tipu Sultan’s Summer palace remains open from

10 A.M to 6 P.M on Monday – Saturday, and

8:30 A.M to 5:00 P.M on Sundays

Tips for Visiting Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

1. It is advised to use postpaid metered taxis for transportation to prevent paying extra to the drivers
2. Tourists can avail of the facilities of ‘pay and use’ toilets inside the palace premises
3. Local guides are present within the premises to guide the tourists

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace Image Gallery

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace Address

Tippu Sultan Palace Rd,
Chamrajpet,
Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560018

How to Reach Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

Various modes of transportation can help you reach Tipu Sultan’s summer palace in the city of Bengaluru.

The easiest and simplest way is to use a taxi or cab, which will directly take you to the desired location but may be expensive.

Metro trains can also be used to reach the palace.

The nearest metro station to Tipu Sultan’s summer palace is Majestic.

You can get down at Majestic and take an auto to reach the destination quickly.

State-run BMTC buses can also be used to travel.

Location Map

FAQs