The seige of Srirangapatana culminated in the death of Tipu Sultan who fought against General Harris army comprising both native and British regiments. The Sultan, who was injured and was making a strategic retreat within the ramparts of the fort which was breached by the invading troops, caught the attention of a private mercenary who was captivated by the diamond studded belt that held the sword. He tried to grab it only to invoke the wrath of the bleeding Sultan who took a swipe at this unwanted attention and tried to cut him into pieces. But the private mercenary, oblivous of his target's nobility, shot him through the temple, thus bringing to an end to his earthly life on May 4, 1799. His mortal remains was found amidst a heap of other bodies at this site which is now preserved as a monument.