The Sultan's retreat
TIPU's SUMMER PALACE , Fort, Bangalore The first impression : Its so modest, for a royal retreat ! Designed somewhat like the Dariya Daulat palace in Srirangapatna , this one is smaller, has fewer rooms and fewer decoration. Flooring is simple grey stone, no fancy mosaics. The mouldings of the pillar capitals looks elegant , reminding of some central Asian structure , can't put my finger on it. The best feature here is the mural art. The colour scheme and floral designs are exquisite . But sadly, peeling, chipped and marred by graffiti . Pictures ( modern replicas and prints of old engravings ) from the time of Tipu are exhibited in the ground floor , along with some Tipu memorabilia, including a rocket . Ofcourse there's a replica of that mauling Tiger toy too ! The picture of the famous throne is an eyeful . Reportedly, the Brits broke up this magnificent artefact and sold it off by bits and pieces as it was deemed too expensive for one pers