Once the source of Tipu’s strength, now run-down and half-buried

Only some of the armouries built by Tipu Sultan are still standing in Srirangapatna. But they have lost visibility over the years and are now covered in weeds. However, restoration work was launched on a couple of them recently.

The almost 1,000-tonne armoury at Srirangapatna that was recently relocated for the completion of the Bengaluru-Mysuru rail track doubling work is not the only such monument that played a prominent role in the Anglo–Mysore wars.

There are 10 more such “half-buried and square-shaped structures with tombs” in the fort town. Those armouries played a big role in the 18th century battles. Now, they have lost visibility and are covered in weeds, owing to lack of conservation measures.

Water seeps through the roofs of many armouries, while roots have weakened their walls and foundations. In many places, people use them as toilets, dump garbage, and even store their belongings. Areas around some of the armouries have been occupied by people.

It is said that Tipu Sultan had constructed armouries in every corner of Srirangapatna to preserve arms to fight against the British East India Company, represented mainly by the Madras Presidency.

Locals say many of the armouries, especially in the old parts of the town and on the outskirts, were destroyed either to build houses or to cultivate land. Those remaining — 11 in number — are situated near Shani Mahatma temple, Jayalakshmi Kalyana Mantapa, police quarters, Garrison Cemetery, Bandi Keri Beedi, Batheri–Ramphal Road, Gosegowdana Beedi, Jain Street at Ranganatha Nagar, Water Tank, and near Srirangapatna railway station (two, including the one recently relocated). The condition of eight of these has gone from bad to worse.

Restoration

But recently, a project to restore the armouries was launched. The monuments will be strengthened and their surroundings will be developed under this initiative. In the first phase, conservation work will be done on two or three armouries, sources at the Archaeological Survey of India said. Work on the other armouries will be taken up based on allocation and availability of funds, the sources added.

The restoration of the armoury near Jayalakshmi Kalyana Mantapa was in full swing when The Hindu visited recently. Workers have also been seen preparing lime mortar at the armoury near Water Tank.