MYSURU: A tunnel leading to the Mysuru Palace premises was unearthed near Vishwamanava Park on Nanjangud Road in the city on Tuesday. The tunnel had surfaced during the ongoing drainage works taken up by the Mysore City Corporation. A pit about 15 feet deep was found near the tunnel.
The tunnel, said to be 150 years old and measuring 3x4 ft, was built using bricks and lime and mortar.
As the news spread, hundreds of people thronged the spot forcing the authorities to halt the work.
Archaeology professor N S Rangaraj, historian Nanjaraj Urs, Palace Board deputy director Subramanya and State Archives deputy director Gavisiddaiah visited the spot along with engineers.
Experts have come out with different theories about the tunnel and the pit. While some claimed the tunnel connected the Palace, others said it was a drain. As for the pit, some said it could be an armoury as it was located close to Gun House, built in 1910.
Quoting the State Archaeology Department, Rangaraj said the pit, about 15 feet deep and with steps, could be an armoury or a storeroom for food grains. He said the pit could be 150 to 200 years old and was not used to keep valuables as it was outside the palace premises.