Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

Ian · 12th March 2005, 08:32 PM

Several cannon from the late 18th C. made in Tipu's own armory.

Ian · 12th March 2005, 08:42 PM

These pictures come from two large murals on the exterior wall, protected from the elements by a very wide verandah that could be enclosed.

The pictures depict Tipu's foot soldiers and cavalry. The footmen appear to be carrying a version of the "Moplah chopper" -- not surprising because Tipu's territory included much of the Malabar Coast. The cavalry seem to be armed with heavy sabers.

[Note to Conogre: The foot soldiers seem to have a fat-bellied bolo with a forked hilt and guard. See detailed view.]

Jens Nordlunde · 12th March 2005, 09:06 PM

Thank you Ian for showing these pictures. It is seldom such pictures are shown, but they are very interesting. What makes me wonder is, why the men at horse has such short swords, or is that an artistic thing?

Jens

Ian · 12th March 2005, 09:15 PM

Jens:

I don't know why the swords of the cavalry are so short.

Available information about the swords used by Tipu himself are that they were like the Indo-Persian tulwars throughout much of India in the late 18th C. I think the cavalry here have tulwar-hilted swords, so I assume the (lack of) length is an artistic thing.

Ian.

12th March 2005, 08:32 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,401	Cannon from Tipu's time Several cannon from the late 18th C. made in Tipu's own armory. Attached Images

12th March 2005, 08:42 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,401	Murals on the walls of the palace These pictures come from two large murals on the exterior wall, protected from the elements by a very wide verandah that could be enclosed. The pictures depict Tipu's foot soldiers and cavalry. The footmen appear to be carrying a version of the "Moplah chopper" -- not surprising because Tipu's territory included much of the Malabar Coast. The cavalry seem to be armed with heavy sabers. [Note to Conogre: The foot soldiers seem to have a fat-bellied bolo with a forked hilt and guard. See detailed view.] Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 12th March 2005 at 08:54 PM.

12th March 2005, 09:06 PM	#3
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Thank you Ian for showing these pictures. It is seldom such pictures are shown, but they are very interesting. What makes me wonder is, why the men at horse has such short swords, or is that an artistic thing? Jens

12th March 2005, 09:15 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,401	Jens: I don't know why the swords of the cavalry are so short. Available information about the swords used by Tipu himself are that they were like the Indo-Persian tulwars throughout much of India in the late 18th C. I think the cavalry here have tulwar-hilted swords, so I assume the (lack of) length is an artistic thing. Ian.