Staff Correspondent

Anwar Ali Shah visits the tomb of his illustrious ancestors

I wish to contribute something to the people of this land: Anwar Ali Shah

Building a guest house for Tipu’s descendants mooted

MYSORE: Anwar Ali Shah, the sixth descendent of 18th century warrior king Tipu Sultan, was accorded a warm reception at the historic town of Srirangapatna near here on Friday.

Mr. Shah’s odyssey with the land of his illustrious ancestors began with a visit to the Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and mother Fathima.

Mr. Shah offered floral tributes at the tomb, but was unable to control his tears during the prayers that followed. Later, in an emotional reunion with the land ruled by his forefathers more than two centuries ago, Mr. Shah visited Dariya Daulat Bagh, the Summer Palace, Sriranganatha Swamy Temple and the ruins of the fort, where Tipu Sultan’s body was found.

Earlier, soon after paying floral tributes at the tomb, Mr. Shah participated in the Friday prayers at the mosque situated in the premises.

Son of the soil

Speaking at a function organised by Karnataka State Wakf Board at Gumbaz to felicitate him, Mr. Shah said he considered himself a Kannadiga, the land of his forefathers, though he was presently staying in Kolkata.

“I am proud to be in the land of my ancestors. I am also fortunate to step on the soil on which Tipu Sultan had laid down his life for the cause of its people,” he said, after accepting the felicitations.

“We are not seeking anything for ourselves. If possible, I wish to contribute something to the people of this land in my small way. If people of this region wish anything from us, let us know,” he said.

President of the Tipu Sultan Prachara Samithi, Talkad Chikkarange Gowda, regretted the absence of a suitable place in Srirangapatna for Tipu Sultan’s descendents to stay during their visits.

Hence, he urged the Wakf Board to allocate a small piece of land to build a guest house for Tipu’s descendents. “Let the Wakf Board allocate land, we the admirers of Tipu Sultan will pool in the money and build a small palace for them to stay here during their visits,” he said.

Mayor of Mysore Ayub Khan, former Minister Tanvir Sait, Karnataka State Wakf Board Chairman Khalid Ahmed and member Seema Mohsin were present on the occasion.

Mr. Shah, who arrived in Bangalore on Thursday from Kolkata, is scheduled to participate in a mass marriage ceremony of poor Muslims, which is being organised by Health and Family Welfare Minister B. Sriramulu in Bellary on Saturday.

He was accompanied by Aqhlaque Azam, trustee of Prince Ghulam Mohammed Wakf Estate, Kolkata.