K'taka seeks funds to develop Tipu monuments

Bangalore, Aug 8: The Karnataka Government has sought funds from the Center to develop monuments to Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile ruler of Mysore, who died while fighting British army in 1799 in his famous fort at Srirangapatna.

Talking to newsmen here, Kannada and Culture Minister Mahadeva Prasad said the state had sent a proposal of Rs 2.20 crore to the Center envisaged to develop Tipu Sultan's monuments in Mandya district.

He said the fund would be utilised to facelift the places of Tipu's monuments in Srirangapatna including his tomb. The government also had planned to build more facilities for the tourists to Srirangapatna, the seat of power of Tipu Sultan, the great warrior who once trounced and defeated the strong British army.

To commemorate the 150th year of first war of Independence, year-long cultural programmes had been planned at all the districts and taluks in the state, he added.

It was also planned to celebrate the 75th year of martyrdom of Bhagath Singh in a big way on August 15, he said and addded the function would be inaugurated by Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

UNI