This splendid monument of oriental grandeur is situated at the western
extremity of the great garden of Seringapatam, a city of Hindoostan, and
capital of the Mysore territory. It is surrounded by a grove of
beautiful cypress-trees, and was erected by Tippoo Saib in honor of the
deceased sovereign, his father. Beneath tombs of black marble, elevated
about eighteen inches from the ground, lie the bodies of Hyder Ali, his
consort, and Tippoo Saib. They are covered with rich cloths, and have
canopies over them. The whole of this sumptuous edifice is, together
with its dome, supported by brilliantly polished black marble columns.
It is surrounded by a magnificent area, within which the faquirs have
cells allotted to them; and on an elevated platform are the tombs of
several faithful servants. The mosque annexed to it is flanked by two
towers. The moulahs stationed there still publicly read the Koran; and
three pagodas are daily distributed in charity at the mausoleum.