SERINGAPATAM, the capital of Mysore, formerly
the dominions of Tippoo Sultan, is situated in an island
of the Cavery river, about 290 or 300 miles from Mad-
ras, and in N. Lat. and E. Long. ,
about four miles in length, by one and a half in breadth,
across the middle, where it is likewise highest, whence
it gradually falls and narrows towards the extremities.
The west end of the island, on which there is a fort of
considerable strength, slopes more, especially towards
the north; and the ground rising on the opposite side
of the river commands a distinct view of every part
of the fort. The fort and outworks occupy about a mile
of the west end of the island, and are distinguished by
magnificent buildings, and ancient Hindoo pagodas,
contrasted with the more lofty and splendid monuments
lately raised in honour of the Mahometan faith. The
great garden, called the Laut Baug, covers about as
much of the east end of the island as the fort and out-
works do of the west; and the whole intermediate space,
except a small inclosure on the north bank near the fort,
VOL. XIX. Part I.
was, before the last war, filled with houses, and formed
an extensive suburb, of which the greatest part was de-
stroyed by Tippoo to make room for batteries to de-
fend the island when attacked by the combined forces
of Earl Cornwallis and the Mahratas chiefs in Februa-
ry 1792. This suburb, or town of modern structure,
is about half a mile square, divided into regular cross
streets, all wide, and shaded on each side by trees. It
is surrounded by a strong mud wall, contains many good
houses, and seems to have been preferred by the Sultan
for the accommodation of merchants, and for the con-
venience of troops stationed on that part of the island
for its defence. A little to the eastward of the town
is the entrance to the great garden, which was laid out
in regular shady walks of large cypress trees, and
abounding with fruit-trees, flowers, and vegetables of
every description. It possessed all the beauty and ele-
gance of a country retirement, and was dignified by the
mausoleum of Hyder, and a superb new palace built by
his son. This noble garden was devoted to destruction;
and the trees which had shaded their proud master, and
contributed to his pleasures, were formed into the means
of protecting his enemies in subverting his empire. "Be-
fore that event, so glorious to the arms of England, this
insular metropolis (says Major Dirom) must have
been the richest, most convenient, and beautiful spot
possessed in the present age by any native prince in In-
dia; but when the allies left it, the Sultan's fort and
city only remained in repair amidst all the wrecks of his
former grandeur, the island presenting nothing but the
appearance of wretched barrens. Tippoo is a man
of talents, enterprise, and great wealth; but, in the opi-
nion of our author, the remaining years of his ill-fated
life will be unequal to renew the beauties of his ter-
restrial paradise." This prediction was more than veri-
fied in the fate of Tippoo; for he lost his life in brave-
ly defending his capital, which was taken by assault
in 1799 by the British troops under General Baird. See
INDIA, No 183.