Colonel Bailey's Dungeon
History of Confinement: This is a chilling historical prison, an oblong, underground structure built during the reign of Tipu Sultan (and his father Hyder Ali). It was primarily used to confine British officers and soldiers who were captured as prisoners of war during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. Namesake : The dungeon is named after Colonel William Bailey (or Baillie), a British officer who was captured at the Battle of Pollilur in 1780 and subsequently died here in 1782 due to the harsh conditions. Other high-ranking officers were also imprisoned here. The Canon Hole: A poignant feature of the dungeon is the large hole in the vaulted roof, reportedly caused by a cannonball that pierced the roof during the final Battle of Srirangapatna in 1799, when the British forces bombarded the fort. The cannon is displayed nearby. Dungeon Features: The structure measures about 30.5 meters in length and 12.2 meters in width, with a low vaulted roof. Inside, there are raised stone slabs with holes, believed to be where prisoners were chained down, sometimes immersed in water up to their necks as a form of torture, lending it the name 'Water Jail'.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 Minutes to 1 Hour:Place Type:
Historical Monument, Military History:Entry Fees:
Entry Ticket: Free (No entry fee is generally charged for the dungeon).
Maintenance/Parking Fee: Parking fees (around Rs. 20-50) may be applicable for the surrounding complex.
Guide Fee: Local guides are av...Entry Ticket: Free (No entry fee is generally charged for the dungeon).
Maintenance/Parking Fee: Parking fees (around Rs. 20-50) may be applicable for the surrounding complex.
Guide Fee: Local guides are available for a negotiable fee (suggested and highly recommended for context).
Prohibited Items: No food, drinks, or large bags are usually allowed inside the small dungeon structure.Timing:
Regular Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Sunday).
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning before 10 AM or late afternoon after 3 PM to avoid the mid-day sun, as the surrounding area is open. A visit duration of 15-30 minutes is typically suff...Regular Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Sunday).
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning before 10 AM or late afternoon after 3 PM to avoid the mid-day sun, as the surrounding area is open. A visit duration of 15-30 minutes is typically sufficient for the interior.
Recommended Days: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.Special Events:
Tipu Sultan's Anniversary: Events and memorial services are sometimes held around the anniversary of the Battle of Srirangapatna (May 4th, 1799), often drawing history enthusiasts and scholars.
Local Military History Talks: Occasionally, loc...Tipu Sultan's Anniversary: Events and memorial services are sometimes held around the anniversary of the Battle of Srirangapatna (May 4th, 1799), often drawing history enthusiasts and scholars.
Local Military History Talks: Occasionally, local heritage groups or the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) may organize guided walks or lecture series focusing on the military history of the fort, which includes the dungeon.
Heritage Week Celebrations: During World Heritage Week (November), special extended hours or free entry may be offered, along with educational programs.Best Photo Spots:
The Vaulted Entrance: The stone steps leading down into the dark, arched entrance of the dungeon, providing a foreboding shot.
The Cannon and the Hole: A focused shot capturing the visible scar of the cannonball impact on the vaulted roof, o...The Vaulted Entrance: The stone steps leading down into the dark, arched entrance of the dungeon, providing a foreboding shot.
The Cannon and the Hole: A focused shot capturing the visible scar of the cannonball impact on the vaulted roof, often taken from the side.
The Chain Slabs: Close-up shots of the stone slabs with the holes and iron fixtures, symbolizing the torture and confinement.
Contrast with Gardens: A wide shot capturing the dark, low-lying dungeon structure contrasted with the bright, lush green, well-maintained lawns.
The Plaque: A respectful photo of the memorial plaque for Colonel Bailey, a stark historical record.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Historical Exploration: Descend into the dungeon chambers to experience the oppressive atmosphere and understand the conditions endured by the prisoners.
Interpretive Learning: Hire a local guide to get detailed narratives and stories about Colonel Bailey and the other captives. This is crucial for appreciating the site's history.
Cannonball Inspection: Examine the large hole in the roof and the preserved cannonball nearby, which vividly illustrate the intensity of the 1799 siege.
Photography: Capture the contrast between the dark, vaulted interior and the bright, manicured lawns outside. Focus on the stone slabs and iron fixtures.
Walk the Fort Walls: Combine the visit with a walk along the northern stretch of the Srirangapatn...
Information
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Why Famous:
A Relic of the Anglo-Mysore Wars: It is famous as one of the most visible and chilling reminders of the fierce conflict between Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, and the British East India Company. It marks a period of significant Indian resistance to colonial power.A Relic of the Anglo-Mysore Wars: It is famous as one of the most visible and chilling reminders of the fierce conflict between Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, and the British East India Company. It marks a period of significant Indian resistance to colonial power.
Colonel Bailey's Martyrdom: The dungeon gained its lasting name and fame from the death of the high-ranking British officer, serving as a dark symbol of the inhuman conditions of a prisoner-of-war camp in the 18th century.
The Cannonball Narrative: The dramatic hole in the roof, a visible scar from the 1799 final siege, is a major attraction, offering a tangible link to the violent end of Tipu Sultan's reign and the fall of the city.
A UNESCO Nominee: It is part of the larger collection of monuments on Srirangapatna Island nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its immense historical value. : -
Architecture:
Underground Vaulted Structure: The architecture is utilitarian, designed for confinement. It is an oblong, subterranean structure with a low vaulted roof made of brick and mortar, supported by a series of huge pillars and arches, dividing the interior into bays. This desig...Underground Vaulted Structure: The architecture is utilitarian, designed for confinement. It is an oblong, subterranean structure with a low vaulted roof made of brick and mortar, supported by a series of huge pillars and arches, dividing the interior into bays. This design was meant to be concealed and bomb-proof.
Confinement Mechanisms: The most unique architectural elements are the projecting stone slabs along the walls. These slabs contain holes and fixed iron hooks/chain devices, which were used to tie down the prisoners in a cramped and agonizing position.
Fort Integration: The dungeon abuts the main fort wall, situated below the Sultan Bateri (a heavy battery bastion) on the northern side of the island, utilizing the existing military fortifications for security.
The Memorial Plaque: An unassuming plaque commemorating Colonel Bailey's death is a simple yet powerful testament to the site's dark history, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding landscaped gardens. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airports are BLR (Bangalore - 160 KM) and MYQ (Mysore - 30 KM). Take a taxi or bus from the airport to Srirangapatna.
By Train: Closest station is Srirangapatna Railway Station (S), which is very close to the fort area. Mys... -
Near Tourist Places:
Gumbaz (Tomb of Tipu Sultan) (3 KM), Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (1 KM), Thomas Inman's Dungeon (1 KM), Srirangapatna Fort (0. 5 KM), Daria Daulat Bagh (2 KM), Jamia Masjid (1. 5 KM), Obelisk Monument (2 KM), Kalyani Siddhi Vinayaka Temple (1 KM), Wellesley Bridge (3 KM), Garrison Cemetery (2 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Watch your step when descending and inside the dungeon, as the floor can be uneven and the lighting is dim. The walls have historical iron fixtures, so be mindful of your surroundings.
Packing: Carry drinking water, especia...
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