Water Gate at Tippu's Fort watercolor India sketchbook 2015 by Meera Rao
This idyllic scene ‘Water Gate’ is at the northern wall of the King Tippu Sultan's Fort in Sri Ranga Pattana near Mysuru, India, The gateway opens to the shallower portion of the river Cauvery. The residents of the fort passed through this gate to fetch water from the river. Back in 1799, this shallow archway with guard houses on either sides and a temple at the right, was the location of a deadly battle with the British (East India Company). Tippu Sultan was killed and it changed the course of history for the British and for the south Indian principality of Mysore. Colonel Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, established his military reputation during this military victory. The gory details of the siege of SriRangapattanam can be found here.
City of Mysuru, and the surrounding area is full of historical sites and ruins. It attracts a steady stream of tourists who come to see its gorgeous palaces still in their full glory, the beautiful temples that are artistic and architectural masterpieces and the natural beauty of the area. Here is a link for virtual tour of the area.
'Water Gate at Tippu's Fort' watercolor sketch, India sketchbook/Art Journal 2015 by Meera Rao . Strathmore Watercolor 140lb Visual Journal