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lthough very under-stated, the elongated shapes of this window seem
to suggest the bubri motif. This was
normally reserved solely for Tipu's use, but its use here on a family
tomb would be entirely appropriate.
After the Fall of Seringapatam in 1799, Tipu's family
were detained in the Fort at Vellore, and in a walled enclosure,
some 1.2 km East of the Fort, are the family tombs of Bakshi Begum
(d.1806) widow of Haidar Ali; Mirza Raza, who married one of Tipu's
daughters; and Padshah Begum (d.1834), Tipu's wife. The presence
of Tipu's sons at Vellore has often been cited as one of the causes
of the uprising which took place there in 1806. In fact, the instructions
of Sir John Craddock, prohibiting the wearing of caste marks and
beards, were probably a far more significant issue. Nevertheless,
after this episode, Tipu's family were transferred to the capital,
Calcutta, where they received settlements
of land and pensions. These are detailed in an "Account of the Receipts
and Expenditure of the Appropriated Mysore Deposit Fund" and of
the "Disbursements on account of the families of Hyder
Ali and Tippoo Sultan," including "Memorials from Prince Gholam
Mahomed," one of Tipu's sons, "Despatches to the Court of Directors
of the East India Company" and "any Dissents recorded by Members
of the Council of India". A comprehensive record of Tipu.s family
and descendants, to great grandchildren, is also included. Descendants
of Tipu still live in Calcutta today.
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