Tipu Sultan's Palace vandalized in India

The historic Tipu Sultan Summer Palace atop picturesque Nandi Hills, on the outskirts of Indian city of Bengaluru, was defaced with name of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on Monday, sparking outrage and concern over lax security at one of Karnataka's most popular tourist spots, reported Indian media on Tuesday.

The defacement of the 18th-century monument — a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) — was likely carried out in the morning hours of Monday before security personnel took charge.

A case has been registered against unknown miscreants, and an investigation is on to trace the suspects.

Located at Nandigiridhama in Chikkaballapur taluk, the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace witnesses weekend footfall of nearly 20,000 visitors.

The name "Lawrence Bishnoi" has been written in large letters on the palace. Many visitors arriving at the protected site expressed sadness over the incident.

"Visitors begin arriving as early as dawn; before the guards take position, some indulge in such mischievous acts," an official was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

The two-floor palace was built as a summer resort during the reign of Hyder Ali and was completed in 1791 under Tipu Sultan.

As per officials, Tipu Sultan occasionally held durbar at the palace during summer. Built with mud bricks and mortar, the palace has interiors made of wood and is known for its arches, pillars, and balconies.

According to a report by Bangalore Mirror, the act of vandalism went unnoticed for days despite the site being under the supervision of the tourism, horticulture, and district police departments.

The damage came to light only after a few visitors photographed the defaced wall and alerted authorities. Although CCTV cameras and security personnel are in place at the heritage site, none of the cameras is currently operational, raising serious questions about the monument’s surveillance and protection measures.

The defacement, which has drawn sharp criticism from locals and heritage enthusiasts, has left visible engravings of Bishnoi’s name on the centuries-old structure.

Visitors to Nandigiridhama expressed anger and disappointment over the act, calling it a disgraceful assault on cultural heritage. Many have urged authorities to identify and punish the culprits.

Officials are expected to inspect the damage and initiate an inquiry into the vandalism, which has once again raised questions about the security and preservation of India’s protected heritage sites.