Colonel Bailey's Dungeon, Colonial dungeon in Srirangapatna, India
Colonel Bailey's Dungeon is an underground prison in Srirangapatna constructed from brick with low vaulted ceilings and thick pillars dividing the space into separate areas. The structure measures roughly 100 feet by 50 feet and contains confined sections designed to hold multiple inmates.
Construction took place following a major military conflict in 1782 when prisoners were held captive after a battlefield defeat. The structure was built as part of the fortifications of a regional power defending its territory against foreign invasions.
The dungeon reflects how a royal military power imprisoned enemies during wartime and shows the building methods of that era. Visitors can observe the spaces where captives were held and understand the structure of such confinement.
The site is accessible on foot with clear signage at the entrance to guide visitors. The underground chambers are dimly lit and somewhat damp, so bringing a flashlight and wearing sturdy shoes are recommended for safe exploration.
Stone walls contain deliberately carved holes used specifically for restraining captives, offering direct evidence of the harsh conditions inmates endured. These physical marks serve as silent reminders of confinement practices from centuries past.
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