The state of one of the landmark edifices of Bangalore stands out as a stark symbol of officialdom’s neglect that is eating away at the city’s architectural heritage.
The state of one of the landmark edifices of Bangalore stands out as a stark symbol of officialdom’s neglect that is eating away at the city’s architectural heritage.
Tipu’s Palace has been virtually reduced to being an insignificant structure, thanks to the monumental apathy of the monolithic Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). If the condition of the palace is anything to go by, it is evident that the ASI needs to do more than just chip in with its bit.
A portion of the western side of the palace has been damaged by termites. The authorities concerned are yet to take measures to take up maintenance work. One can see gaping holes in the lintel (a lintel is a load-bearing building component, a decorative architectural element, or a combined ornamented structural item. It is often found over portals, doors, and windows). The adverse effect of the termite-eaten portion stands out as an eyesore. All that the ASI authorities have done is prop up steel poles to prevent the wooden structure from falling down.
“We have informed higher-ups about the damage to the structure. As of now, we have put up steel poles to support the wooden lintel,’’ said an ASI employee. The indifference is obvious, and absolute.
The lack of enthusiasm among staff members at the palace is infectious and exasperating. There are no guides to show visitors around. Tourists have to find their way around the palace. Barring the handful ostensibly busy with issuing tickets at the entrance, staff members are more keen on idling away their time.
“We are disappointed with the apathetic attitude of employees here. No one is ready to help us. What is the use of coming all the way to here to see a heritage building?’’ asks P Balasubramanyam, a visitor from Chittoor.
Depending on which portion of the palace you land up in, you may not have much to see either. Many of the rooms, including the secret chamber of Tipu Sultan, are either locked up or loaded with waste material. There is nothing to revel about the cleanliness of the place.
“There is no information available about the locked rooms. The authorities have put up a few boards that display Tipu Sultan’s timeline and dreams, but no information is available about the remaining rooms,’’ grumbles another visitor, K Chandrasekhar.
Suryanath Kamath, president, Karnataka Ithihasa Academy, says he had urged ASI authorities to engage a few guides for the benefit of visitors. “I have even advised them to increase the entry fee to Rs 10 from Rs 5 to meet the expenses of engaging guides. I will remind them again.’’
The palace, in fact, charges visitors for using its toilet. There is no provision for drinking water either.
GS Narasimhan, ASI’s superintending archaeologist, however, says there are no plans of employing guides, either at Tipu’s Palace or Bangalore Fort. “As far as termite menace is concerned, it is a routine affair. We take up preventive measures every year. Usually, we carry out repair work during summer. Last year, it cost us more than Rs 1 lakh. We are yet to estimate the cost to repair the damaged wooden portion.’’
And for the moment, tourists will need to find their way around Tipu’s Palace.
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