he source for this scene is an oil painting by Henry Singleton, painted in 1800, and a companion piece to 'The Assault and Taking of Seringapatam', which is also reproduced on the shell guard.

After the initial success of gaining the ramparts, Baird did not immediately attack the palace, considering that this would result in 'fresh and unnecessary slaughter.' When the two British columns had overpowered the fort and the city had fallen, Major Allan, with his sound knowledge of oriental language, was appointed to enter the palace and escort Tipu's sons outside. Lt. Col Agnew and Capt. Marriot accompanied him. Major Allan had been present in 1792, when two of Tipu's sons were surrendered as hostages to the British at the end of the Third Mysore War. Now, only seven years later, Allan experienced the 'strongest emotions of compassion' at the sight of one of his former charges, Muiz ud Deen, seated with one of his brothers on a carpet, and barely concealing his terror as he waited to receive the officers and learn his fate. The elder of the two hostage princes, Abdul Khalik, who continued the battle outside the city, returned to surrender the following morning.