3-077-740 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Entrance to the port of Seringapatam, Southern India, 1890. 'The fortress of Seringapatam...was formerly the capital of Mysore, and became in 1765 the abode of Hyder Ali, whose son, Tippoo Sahib...was the obstinate and troublesome enemy of the British Government from 1791 to 1799. Seringapatam was besieged in 1792 by the army of Lord Cornwallis, who defeated the fortress of Tippoo, and compelled him to surrender half the dominions of Mysore, and to pay a ransom of £3,300,000. Seven or eight years after, the war being renewed, this fortress was stormed, after an effective bombardment, by the British troops, 4376 strong, led by General Baird. Tippoo was killed, and the whole of Mysore was conquered. The proper name of the place is Sri Ranga Patna, derived from its founder...It is situated on a small rocky island in the river Cauvery, and consists of a mean little town...massive ramparts...and a fortress containing the old palace and temple. The river...made it a strong position. Our View of the entrance-gate is from a sketch by Captain G D. Carleton of the 2nd Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment, who recently, as Staff Officer, accompanied the rapid reconnaisance executed by Brigadier-General Bengough. with a party of the 21st Hussars'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.