Historical tunnels, temple pond remain neglected in Srirangapatna

October 27, 2017 12:47 am | Updated 12:47 am IST -

The Gajendra Moksha Kalyani near Sri Ranganathaswami temple near Srirangapatna.

The Gajendra Moksha Kalyani near Sri Ranganathaswami temple near Srirangapatna.

When they were found, there was excitement that they might throw more light on either the armour or the sewage system of the Mysore Wadiyar dynasty and the Tipu-British era. But two tunnels discovered four years ago at the Gajendra Moksha Kalyani in Srirangapatna are still lying in a state of neglect.

The tunnels, with a single entrance, were unearthed during the restoration of the historical kalyani, a temple pond situated near the Sri Ranganathaswami temple, on January 29, 2013. The archaeological discoveries hit national headlines and prompted various State and Central officials to visit the spot and make promises to excavate the site.

Though four years have passed, neither the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) nor the State Department of Archaeology and Museums has taken measures to preserve the pond, which is filled with sewage now. On the other hand, locals and shopkeepers are using the pond to dump waste.

It is believed that the pond and tunnels were constructed during the reign of Dodda Krishnaraja Wadiyar and were widely used to shift arms and ammunition from one armoury to another during Tipu Sultan’s era. The tunnels are also believed to have been used for emergency exit and for taking shelter during the Tipu-British battles.There are also some experts who say the tunnels were constructed to draw water from the Bangara Doddi canal to fill the temple pond.

Theories of hidden treasures lying beneath historical monuments have also been making the rounds for decades in Srirangapatna town.

Consequently, the archaeological discoveries may also shed light on the socio-economic status and other issues of the Wadiyar and Tipu-British period, a senior officer at the Daria Daulat Bagh (Tipu’s Summer Palace) told The Hindu .

Works suspended

Restoration of the pond was suspended after the discovery of the tunnels, emphasising the urgency of conducting excavation works. Officials had promised “complete preservation” of the tunnels and “immediate restoration” of the pond. Unfortunately, both the pond and the tunnels have turned into places stories stagnant water or drainage — a reflection of the apathy of the agencies concerned, officials of Srirangapatna Town Municipal Council said on Thursday.

When contacted, an official of the Department of Archaeology and Museums said: “We will send a team of experts to inspect the place shortly.”

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