3.40 The tomb of Tipu Sultan

© Private Collection The shawl-covered tombs of (on the west) Tipu Sultan, (centre) his father, Haidar Ali, and (on the east) his mother, Fakhr un-Nissa, in the mausoleum at Gumbaz, Seringapatam; c.1911 Unknown Photographer, Possibly A Member Of The Tait Family

		our companies of Europeans escorted the bier on its journey from the palace to Gumbaz, and Prince Abdul Khalik, Tipu's second son, was the chief mourner. As the procession moved eastwardsacross the island, many of Tipu's subjects prostrated themselves at the roadside. At the Lal Bagh, troops presented arms as the bier passed, and, after the ceremony, 5,000 rupees were distributed as charity to the poor. Tipu's body, wrapped in muslins and rich brocades, was laid beside that of his father in the vault below these tombs. Traditionally, the shawls which covered the tombs would have been red for Tipu, as a martyr to the Faith, black or purple for Haidar, and pink for his wife. A magnificent set of richly embroidered coverings was presented by Tipu's eighth son, Ghulam Mohammed, who died in Calcutta in 1877, and at the beginning of the 20th century, when this photograph was taken, wonderful shawls covered the tombs. This was still the practice twenty years later, when Constance Parsons, writing in 1931, mentions also bunches of peacock feathers, the symbols of royalty, at the foot of each tomb, and rose petals strewn on the tombs for remembrance. Today, the coverings are more likely to be of synthetic fabrics, and the bold tiger striped cloth used c.1984, has been replaced by others in scarlet and gold. A contemporary manuscript transcription, among the papers of Lady Clive at Powis Castle, gives the following as a translation of the inscription beside Tipu's tomb: 'Tippoo Sultan obtained unexpectedly. He spilt his own blood in the Road to Salvation. This happened on the 20th of Zukaudie. It was on a Saturday, the Gates of death were opened to him. Eight Hours of the Day had passed (when) blood flowed from the Walls and Doors - He had lived fifty years in Prosperity and reigned Padshah seventeen years   And at last, found martyrdom according to his desire. Alas what destruction to the inhabitant also the House! Shed tears of blood O! Earth and Age! The Sun and the Moon mourned in company with each other - The Sky became inverted; the Earth dark; - Then, when I saw the utmost darkness pervade the whole universe, I exclaimed from Grief, "What year of the general mourning is this?" A Spirit with an half suppressed Sigh, replied to me "The Light of Islam and of religion has departed from the world."

Online edition of India's National Newspaper Saturday, Oct 18, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Karnataka

News: ePaper | Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala| New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |Engagements |  Advts: Retail Plus | Classifieds | Jobs | Obituary | Karnataka - Mysore     Warm reception for Tipu’s descendant at Srirangapatna Staff Correspondent Anwar Ali Shah visits the tomb of his illustrious ancestors I wish to contribute something to the people of this land: Anwar Ali Shah Building a guest house for Tipu’s descendants mooted — PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM  Tearful tribute: Anwar Ali Shah offering floral tributes at the tomb of Tipu Sultan at Gumbaz, in Srirangapatna on Friday. MYSORE: Anwar Ali Shah, the sixth descendent of 18th century warrior king Tipu Sultan, was accorded a warm reception at the historic town of Srirangapatna near here on Friday. Mr. Shah’s odyssey with the land of his illustrious ancestors began with a visit to the Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima. Mr. Shah offered floral tributes at the tomb, but was unable to control his tears during the prayers that followed. Later, in an emotional reunion with the land ruled by his forefathers more than two centuries ago, Mr. Shah visited Dariya Daulat Bagh, the Summer Palace, Sriranganatha Swamy Temple and the ruins of the fort, where Tipu Sultan’s body was found. Earlier, soon after paying floral tributes at the tomb, Mr. Shah participated in the Friday prayers at the mosque situated in the premises. Son of the soil Speaking at a function organised by Karnataka State Wakf Board at Gumbaz to felicitate him, Mr. Shah said he considered himself a Kannadiga, the land of his forefathers, though he was presently staying in Kolkata. “I am proud to be in the land of my ancestors. I am also fortunate to step on the soil on which Tipu Sultan had laid down his life for the cause of its people,” he said, after accepting the felicitations. “We are not seeking anything for ourselves. If possible, I wish to contribute something to the people of this land in my small way. If people of this region wish anything from us, let us know,” he said. President of the Tipu Sultan Prachara Samithi, Talkad Chikkarange Gowda, regretted the absence of a suitable place in Srirangapatna for Tipu Sultan’s descendents to stay during their visits. Hence, he urged the Wakf Board to allocate a small piece of land to build a guest house for Tipu’s descendents. “Let the Wakf Board allocate land, we the admirers of Tipu Sultan will pool in the money and build a small palace for them to stay here during their visits,” he said. Mayor of Mysore Ayub Khan, former Minister Tanvir Sait, Karnataka State Wakf Board Chairman Khalid Ahmed and member Seema Mohsin were present on the occasion. Mr. Shah, who arrived in Bangalore on Thursday from Kolkata, is scheduled to participate in a mass marriage ceremony of poor Muslims, which is being organised by Health and Family Welfare Minister B. Sriramulu in Bellary on Saturday. He was accompanied by Aqhlaque Azam, trustee of Prince Ghulam Mohammed Wakf Estate, Kolkata.

Tombs of tipu sultan soldiers

Srirangapattana. Frescoes from Tipu Sultan’s summer palace.