Island fort in Karnataka allowed to collapse through ‘apathy’
Posted On: May 1st, 2016 at 10:16
India
In Karnataka sits a small island in the middle of the river Cauvery that was once the armoury of the Tiger of Mysuru (Mysore), Tipu Sultan.
Srigangapatna was an island where weapons were made and a fort built by the Tipu Sultan – the ruler of the kingdom of Mysore in the 18th Century – but today it has fallen into ruin and is being left to its fate through “apathy”. 80,000 extremely important manuscripts were found there, detailing just about everything that happened in the history of the Mysore kingdom that once existed more than 200 years ago. The island was also a trading post for diamonds and other precious stones.
Many of the buildings have already collapsed and soon others will join them if nothing is done to save them. Although the costs to save the treasures would be huge, visits to an island fort in the middle of a river would be a very popular tourist attraction and the costs could easily be recuperated long term.
Another fascinating aspect of the island are the pigeon houses built by Tipu Sultan – some have been destroyed already but some still stand – and they were used to send and receive messages from various parts of the kingdom. Isn’t it funny that 18th Century post was far quicker than its modern counterpart?
I would find it a joy if a pigeon landed on my windowsill with my morning post – a letter could be returned in a matter of hours!
