The unearthing of two cannons belonging to the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, in Bengaluru by Namma Metro workers recently, has given rise to hope that the dilapidated rocket court in Srirangapatna, where Tipu designed and fired the world’s first war rocket nearly 250 years ago, will receive the attention it deserves and be converted into a museum.

The cannons’ discovery has drawn the attention of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is now looking into the matter of conserving the rocket court.

Chief Controller of DRDO , Dr. W. Selvamurthy, plans to visiting Srirangapatna on December 20 to study the condition of the monument and submit a detailed report to the Union government for its protection.

“Tipu Sultan revolutionised the use of advanced weaponry in the battle zone and was the first to introduce rocket technology.

So every piece of this history should be preserved. I feel the rocket court in Srirangapatna should be converted into a museum and the cannons found in Old Bengaluru put on display there”, said Mr. Selvamurthy.

Former DRDO chief controller Dr. Sivathanu Pillai had in 2006 submitted a report on the pathetic condition of the rocket court and recommended that the site be converted into a rocket museum.

Former President , Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, too has shown keen interest in protecting the monument.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Cities> Others / by S. V. Krishna Chaitanya, DC, Mysore / November 29th, 2012