By TCN Staff Reporter,
Bangluru: Tipu Sultan’s warfare technology achievements are finally getting recognition. A visiting delegation of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), under its chief controller on Friday has decided to convert the ruins of Srirangapatna Fort of Tipu Sultan into a Missile museum, from where world’s first iron-cased rocket missile was fired.
Tipu Sultan, the king of Mysore, is also referred as father of modern missile technology when he first used the 2 k.m. missiles against the British troops in the Third Anglo-Mysore war at the end of 18th century.
Tipu's rockets.
But today Srirangapatna Fort of Tipu Sultan, a historic monument is lying in ruins with some walls getting collapsed with illegal encroachments all around.This has also shocked the visiting delegation of DRDO scientists.
Amazingly neither Karnataka state archeology department nor Archeological Survey of India has took the responsibility of conservation of the historic fort with has an international significance.
DRDO Chief Controller (R&D), Dr. W. Selvamurthy, who led the delegation was saddened on the appalling condition of the historic fort and the world’s first rocket court. Speaking to the press after his visit Dr. Selvamurthy expressed his disappointment, “Itis really sad and appalling and this matter is of a great concern. The place which gave birth to the basics of rocket technology cannot be treated this way. I am shocked to see that monument is completely clogged with encroachments on main entry and exit levels. A portion of the front wall is also lies collapsed with illegal constructions bonces on all sides of the court walls.”
Selvamurthy also assured that he will raise the matter to the highest level, “I will write to the state Chief Secretary, the Archaeological Survey of India and the state Department of Archaeology and Museums to restore and convert the monument into an archaeological center of great importance.”
Finally lifting the curtains from the plans of DRDO Mr.Selvamurthy said DRDO wants to use the fort to showcase the technological advancement of India which according to the DRDO scientisteven in 18th century was most advanced then rest of the world.
DRDO proposes to convert crumbling Srirangapatna fort and rocket court into a Missile museum to make it a tourist spot and to showcase India's technological advancements in Defense field.
Selvamurthy said the museum could comprise of “life-size prototype of BrahMos, wide range of missiles India developed like Prithvi, Agni and all ballistic missiles, besides having an original piece of Tipu's rocket at the proposed archeological rocket center.”