A frozen moment of history

A small stone tablet surrounded by a small structure is all that announces the birthplace of Tipu Sultan in Devanahalli. Situated 35 kms from Bangalore, on Bangalore-Bellary Road, Devanahalli, was earlier known as Devana Doddi and Devana Pura. Tipu renamed it as Yusufabad, which however did not prove to be popular.

Tipu Sultan was born in Devanahalli in 1750. As one reaches the town from Bangalore, one finds a signboard, proclaiming the birthplace of Tipu. A few yards away is a stone tablet surrounded by fields, stating that Tipu was born here. A little distance away is the Devanahalli fort.

The fort was built in 1501 by Mallabairegowda, and remained until the mid seventeenth century, in the hands of his descendants. In 1749, Mysore Dalawai, Nanjarajaiah, attacked the fort and occupied it. Later, the fort passed into the hands of Hyder Ali and then Tipu Sultan. In 1791, Lord Cornwallis laid siege to the fort and took possession of it during the Mysore War.

The house in Devanahalli where Tipu and Hyder Ali stayed can be seen. Residents of the town say that the authorities have made no attempt to either preserve or protect the monuments. Others point out that the house of Dewan Purnaiah, who was a high ranking official during the time of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, still exists. But there is no board or sign indicating this.

The old buildings and structures in the fort are disintegrating, gradually. The fort is also crumbling and is badly in need of repairs. Several houses have sprung up within the walls and buildings and other structures dating to the period of Tipu Sultan are either being demolished or modernised.

Although Devanahalli is just an hour's drive from Bangalore, there is very little tourist traffic as the authorities have failed to realise the potential of the area.