Explore Ruins of Tipu Sultan’s Armoury Bangalore
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Tipu Sultan’s Armory in Bangalore, Karnataka. This iconic structure stands as a testament to the rich history and heritage of the region, and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life and times of one of India’s most revered historical figures.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to explore new places and learn about different cultures, the Tipu Sultan Armory is a must-see destination that is sure to give an idea of medieval war era.
Thanks to GoUnesco’s #makeheritagefun event, a bunch of history lovers in Bangalore could visit this little known Tipu Sultan’s Armoury in Kalsipalyam Bangalore. Tipu’s Armory in Mysuru is more well known compared to this.
Heritage Walk in Bangalore
This post is 3rd in the series of posts on the walk. A quick look on what was covered before this. We assembled at 8 in the morning at Bangalore Fort. After an hour and half’s tour of the place and a quick breakfast we proceeded to Tipu’s Summer Palace.
All of us were so engrossed listening to Mansoor Ali, especially about the exploits of Tipu Sultan. I had read about all these in history classes of school days, wonder why it didn’t seem or sound so interesting then.
Tipu Sultan’s Armory Bangalore
The next destination armory of Tipu Sultan was just 10minutes walk from the Palace. Tipu had built four armories during his regime in late 18th century. These were lifelines during the long wars he fought against the British.
The location of Tipu Sultan’s armory can be traced along the dotted path in the map below. It is in a by lane near Kalasipalyam police station, behind Bangalore Medical College Research Institute, in the heart of KR Market.
Google map of Walking path for Heritage tour in Bangalore
The Tipu Sultan Armory in Bangalore, Karnataka is a captivating place to visit, with a palpable sense of history and intrigue that can be felt as soon as you step inside. As you explore the various rooms and chambers that make up the armory, it’s easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of activity that would have taken place here in centuries past.
Entrance gate and path to Tipu’s Armoury
Tipu’s Rockets in 18th Century
To live like a lion for a day is far better than to live for a hundred years like a jackal. ~ Tipu Sultan.
And he lived like one till the last day of his life.
Hyder Ali, the 18th century ruler of Mysore, and his son and successor, Tipu Sultan were the first ones to develop and use Mysorean rockets in the war against the British. These ‘missiles’ were fitted with swords. On firing them, the rockets traveled several meters through the air before coming down with edges of the sword facing the enemy. Even before they hit the ground and exploded the swords managed to silence some soldiers.
The use of iron tubes for holding the propellant at one end of the sword enabled higher thrust and longer range for the missile (up to 2 km range). This rocket technology was later used to advance European rocketry.
Our own Indian scientists A P J Abdul Kalam and Dr. Gowariker too studied this rocketry during their work on Indian rockets in Indian Space Research Organization.
Tipu Sultan’s Armory in Bangalore
Interior of Armory of Tipu Sultan in Bangalore
The heritage site that once stored guns, shells, rockets and other artillery for the Tiger of Mysore, had slowly turned into vandal’s haven.
This armory was the most neglected monument till some months back. The area around it taken over by residential buildings and school and the monument itself was turning into dumping ground. Luckily the authorities woke up to the situation in time.
Today we get to see a cleaner place, police patrolling the area at nights. Yet, a vital thing like a proper gate is missing. There are no doors to the armory or a proper fence surrounding it. Anybody can sneak in. A register is maintained to mark the entry and exit of visitors, that’s about it.
The armory seems submerged below the ground, a staircase leads us down. The entrance to the armory has no door, the interiors is just a hollow space with dimensions 12ft by 30ft approx. and just one small window for ventilation and light.
Another note worthy point about the place is no matter how much it rains water gets drained out quickly through a small hole behind the armory. Nobody knows where the outlet leads to.
Suggested Improvement for Tipu’s Armory
Mansoor Ali has good practical ideas of how the monument can be turned more interesting and must visit place for tourists.
- The interiors of armory can be converted to a painting gallery or a place for small exhibitions.
- A nominal charge for tickets can easily be put to good use like maintenance of the monument. That reminded me how the armory in Reis Magos Fort is used to display Mario Miranda’s work.
Small hole behind the armory that drains off water – 4th picture.
Mansoor Ali, architect and member of Facebook group Bygone Bangalore, shares a special relationship with Tipu Sultan’s Armory. He narrated:
“My grandmother’s house stood diagonally opposite to it. I was not even born then. My sister Rizwana Banu, who was hardly six or seven years old, used to play with her friends inside the armory. There was a tunnel linking it to the fort and palace. Once, Rizwana got lost inside the tunnel. My parents were lucky to find her. Finally, the tunnel was closed.”
Location of Tipu’s Armory in Bengaluru
Kalasipalam New Exte, City Market, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560002. It is at 10 minutes walking distance from Tipu’s Summer Palace. There is a small board mentioning the name. The armory is not visible from road because it is at a lower level. So watch out for the board. No tickets required. You have to sign in a register before entering.
Open timings of Tipu Sultan’s Armoury – Open timings are 9 AM to 6 PM.
Tickets to Tipu Sultan’s Armoury – It is a free sight. No tickets are required.
FAQ about Tipu Sultan Armoury
What is Tipu Sultan’s Armory?
Tipu Sultan’s Armory is a historical structure in Bangalore, Karnataka that was built by the famous Indian ruler Tipu Sultan to store weapons and ammunition for his army.
How old is Tipu Sultan’s Armory?
Tipu Sultan’s Armory was built in the late 1700s, making it more than 200 years old.
Can I take photos at Tipu Sultan’s Armory?
Yes, photography is allowed at Tipu Sultan’s Armory, so feel free to snap some shots to document your visit.
How long does it take to visit Tipu Sultan’s Armory?
A typical visit to Tipu Sultan’s Armory takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the various rooms and exhibits.
What else is there to see near Tipu Sultan’s Armory?
There are many other historical and cultural attractions to see in Bangalore, including the nearby Tipu Sultan’s Palace and the Bangalore Fort.
Was Tipu Sultan’s Sword ever kept in Tipu’s armoury?
To this question our guide said no initially, then he added – most likely no.
Why is Tipu Sultan’s sword famous?
Tipu Sultan’s sword was very famous for its hardness; the sword could rip through armour. The incredible hardness of the sword came from a special high carbon steel called Wootz steel.
Parting Thoughts
Despite the armory’s historical significance, it also possesses a distinct and undeniable charm that makes it a unique destination for visitors of all kinds. The old-world vibe of the place is evident in every nook and cranny, from the worn stone floors to the falling doors and vacant window spaces.
It’s a place that seems to hold secrets and stories just waiting to be uncovered, and spending even a brief amount of time here can leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
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What an interesting place. You are having quite the adventure!
What a fun concept! I love the idea of making heritage fun. Bangalore looks like it has quite the interesting heritage. Thanks for including the map in this post so we can take it ourselves.
Tipu Sultan was really creative with his armory. This seems like a hidden gem in Bangalore and I had never earlier heard about it earlier. I really wish the tunnel was open and we had the chance to explore it. Great informative post as always.
I have been wanting to visit Banglore for so long! I love this post and am saving it for my trip
So interesting. It’s so sad when we allow our past to erode away. We are experiencing this in the US with some of our monuments being torn down. I feel that you may not necessarily like what they represent, but they are a representation of our country’s development. Being there helps keep conversations open so we don’t repeat our past. It’s so great that Mansoor Ali is involved, since his family has a past with it.
Wow, sounds like Tipu Sultan was quite creative with his armory, especially the sword ‘rockets’. Must’ve been quite the experience to visit the armory, even though I believe you didn’t really get to see much of the arms used at the time. Bangalore has some really cool hidden gems, I can see !
Very interesting, glad to see they are cleaning up the and valuing the Indian heritage instead of using it a dumping ground.
I love the quote from the Tipu Sultan! But the armory looks so forlorn!
That was a good nostalgic read. I had all these walks once upon a time when I was in Bangalor. Not many people knew of these heritage spots then & it seems things have not changed much.
This is a lot of history packed into one place. This is not on my list of places to go anytime soon-but I certainly envy those who grow up in or know the language so that they can fit in as locals. One day!
Great read for sharing history a glimpse of history about Armoury of Tipu Sultan. Its also nice to know that from a neglected monument, today, peopel are taking care of it. Is there any update about the plan of moving the monument to giveway for a railway track? Was it pushed through?
What a fascinating place to visit! It’s great that this piece of history has been preserved as many around the world get destroyed 🙁
I love this quote… To live like a lion for a day is far better than to live for a hundred years like a jackal. great post, lots of great history.
How interesting and unique piece of history. Happy to hear that they have taken notice to preserve this monument and piece of history instead of letting it be a dumping ground!
The armory looks fascinating! I get the dangers, but I am a bit sad the tunnel is closed. It would be fun to follow it.
Thank you for educating me about the armory of Tipu. It sounds like a wonderful spot full of history and that the heritage walk was a lot of fun!
Thanks for sharing this about the armory of Tipu. With so many wonderful historical sights to see in India, this is a glimpse of a smaller, more local gem. 🙂
I love finding out the history behind places, a very interesting place, a bit of a hidden gem too
A hidden gem in the heart of the city. It is always interesting to know the history behind any historical place. I love your kind of articles.
I’m wondering what Rizwana’s parents would have gone thru. 🙂
Great story. Lots of personal touches to a historical Tipu Sultan.
Sounds like an interesting walk. I love when you can combine exercise, culture, and learning. I’ll have to check out your other posts on the walk.
i am always keen to know and visit places that hold history in itself and there are a lot of the places in India that doesn’t need any introduction but this one is surprising , thanx for sharing .
Gr8 post !! Will definitely bookmark this post for the Things to do in Bangalore for my Visit.
Very interesting place!
I used to play in the tunnels under my elementary school when I was a kid. They were amazingly long and intricate.
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interesting place to tour. ‘lion for a day’. 🙂
An interestiing post. Have a HAPPY EASTER.
Very historical place. I enjoyed reading about it.
This is a nice program. I am not a history buff per se, but I am very interested.
Interesting historical place and fascinating rocket technology that was used then !
Hidden Gem in Bangalore.Thanks for sharing.:)
Cheers,
Sriram & Krithiga
Interesting and fascinating place!
Wonderful, Thanks for sharing.
What a great historical place. I enjoy learning new stuff.
A nice Post.. I have to recollect how many times, we visited this place.. Thanks for sharing the same, indrani!
Thanks for these glimpses of Indian history.
Should be an experience to witness it… 🙂
Fascinating History !!
Amazing!
Very interesting place and I have read about Tipu’s rockets in abdul kalam’s wings of fire… I liked your idea of opening a gallery inside the armory and it will sure help preserving the armory and make other learn.
A hidden gem in heart of the city! It’s saddening to read that how this was ignored all these years! Hopefully this won’t be the case in future!
Amazing facts and info!
Thank you Indrani:)
It is a wonderful read on the history of Mysore and Tipu Sultan. Enjoying the series.
Fascinating place!
I am a big Tipu fan!! so just loved it!!!
its always interesting to know the history behind any historical place. thanks for sharing. you always come up with something amazing.
I have been to this place, nice pics
Your posts always teach me so much.
Isn’t it fantastic, to see and to be the lesson learn.
Another treasure!