Boomtime again for Tipu’s battle relic

It was on this storehouse of ammunition, gunpowder and muskets that the legendary 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan relied on to unleash battle...

It was on this storehouse of ammunition, gunpowder and muskets that the legendary 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan relied on to unleash battles against the British. But today, this armoury — hidden behind a transformer and a computer institute in the city’s run-down Kalasipalyam neighbourhood — could be mistaken for a giant dustbin.

A plan is underway to restore this vaulted structure constructed below ground-level to conceal it from enemy gaze. ‘‘By the end of this month, restoration work should begin and it should be done in four to five months,’’ says Pratibha H.R., convenor of Indian National Trust for Arts and Culture (INTACH).

An MoU has been signed by the State Department of Archaeology and INTACH to restore Tipu’s armoury, Venkatappa Art Gallery and a few temples in Karnataka. A grant of Rs 4.5-5 lakh has been allocated for each of these projects.

Tipu’s summer palace and fort also lie in the vicinity. In Tipu’s time, this area — called Taramandalpet — was a small haven of safety as ammunition was stored here, says conservation architect Pankaj Modi who heads the project.

The irony is that many ASI officials are not even aware of the existence of the armoury. Halkatti of the ASI says he has never heard of Tipu’s armoury. ‘‘Only Tipu’s palace and fort are here in Bangalore and they are in a good state of preservation,’’ he says.

So while the palace and fort draw a steady trickle of tourists, the armoury remains a forgotten relic. Even Govind K., who works as a guide, says he does not know where the armoury is tucked away.

As part of the restoration, steps leading to the structure will be repaired. A building that houses a Bangalore City Corporation office will be made the entrance as envisaged in the original design. There will be a gallery to showcase Tipu’s life as a military strategist. ‘‘Once the maintenance is taken care of, we will ensure that tourists visit it,” promises Commissioner of Tourism, Vittal Murthy.