Tipu Sultan – The “Tiger of Mysore”

Biographical Information

• Name: Fath Ali, commonly known as Tipu Sultan, also referred to as the “Tiger of Mysore”.
• Birth: Born on November 20, 1750, in Mysore, India.
• Parents: Son of Hyder Ali, a prominent military officer, and his wife Fatima Fakhr-un-Nisa.
• Education: Received a comprehensive education under the guidance of expert tutors. His studies included riding, swordsmanship, shooting, as well as academic subjects like Quranic studies, Islamic jurisprudence, and languages (Urdu, Persian, Arabic).
• Titles: Sher-e-Mysore or “Tiger of Mysore”.

Early Life

• Family Background: Tipu Sultan was raised in a family where military and governance were significant aspects of life. His father, Hyder Ali, played a crucial role in shaping his character and future as a leader.
• Father’s Influence: Hyder Ali was not only a skilled soldier but also a strategic leader who became the Sultan of Mysore. His victories, such as the decisive defeat of the Marathas in 1758, significantly expanded Mysore’s territory and influence.
• Military Training: From a young age, Tipu was immersed in military training. He was educated in both traditional fields and modern military tactics, notably under French officers who were allies of Mysore at that time.
• First Battle Experience: At the tender age of 15, Tipu Sultan got his first taste of battle during an invasion of Malabar. He led a group of 2,000-3,000 soldiers, managing to capture the Malabar chief’s family, which led to a swift surrender of the local leaders.
• Early Responsibilities: Recognizing his son’s capabilities, Hyder Ali entrusted Tipu with the command of 500 cavalry and the governance of five districts within Mysore, setting the stage for his illustrious military career.

Tipu Sultan’s Role in the First Anglo-Mysore War

Introduction to the First Anglo-Mysore War

• The First Anglo-Mysore War began in 1767 when the British East India Company aimed to expand its influence in southern India. They leveraged alliances with the Nizam and the Marathas to challenge Mysore.

Tipu Sultan’s Early Involvement

• At the young age of 17, Tipu Sultan was sent by his father, Hyder Ali, to negotiate with the Nizam. His diplomatic mission was crucial.
• Tipu brought impressive gifts, including cash, jewels, 10 horses, and five trained elephants, to win over the Nizam.
• His successful diplomacy led the Nizam to switch sides, joining Mysore against the British.

Military Actions

• Following his diplomatic success, Tipu led a cavalry raid on Madras (now Chennai), marking his first major military initiative.
• Despite initial success, his father, Hyder Ali, suffered a defeat at Tiruvannamalai, necessitating Tipu’s return to support his father.
• Together, they continued the conflict during the monsoon—unusual tactical timing that allowed them to capture two British forts.

Escalating the War

• Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali intensified their military campaign along the coast, capturing several British-held cities and forts.
• Their aggressive strategy nearly dislodged the British from their key port at Madras.
• The pressure from Mysorean forces led the British to seek peace in March 1769.

Treaty of Madras

• The war concluded with the Treaty of Madras in 1769, under which both sides agreed to revert to pre-war boundaries and assist each other in case of third-party attacks.
• However, the British East India Company later failed to honour these terms, affecting future trust and relations.

Interwar Period and Continuing Struggles

• In 1771, despite the treaty, when Mysore was attacked by the Marathas, the British did not provide the promised military support.
• Tipu Sultan played a significant role in defending Mysore during this period, demonstrating his growing leadership and military skills.
• The breach of the treaty by the British deeply impacted the trust between Mysore and the British, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Also Check – The Battle of Plassey – Detailed Notes with Flowchart

The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784)

Overview of the War

• The Second Anglo-Mysore War began in 1780, with Mysore under Hyder Ali’s leadership attacking the Carnatic region, allied with Britain.
• The British response involved multiple forces attempting to counter Mysore’s military actions.

Tipu Sultan’s Early Role

• Tipu Sultan, leading a force of 10,000 cavalry and infantry, played a crucial role in one of the early battles by intercepting Colonel William Baillie’s troops.
• This battle resulted in a significant defeat for the British, marking their worst loss in India at the time, with most of the Anglo-Indian troops surrendering or killed.

Strategic Engagements

• Despite Hyder Ali’s consideration to attack Madras directly, only minor skirmishes followed, focusing on harassing British forces rather than capturing the city.
• Tipu Sultan’s continued pressure led to a series of engagements, notably the capture of British supplies and causing considerable casualties.

Significant Battle of Tanjore

• On February 18, 1782, Tipu Sultan achieved a notable victory at Tanjore, where he and his French ally, General Lallée, surprised and defeated Colonel Braithwaite’s forces.
• The battle lasted 26 hours, ending with the surrender of the British and their Indian sepoys. Contrary to British propaganda, there were no massacres post-surrender.

Leadership Transition

• During the war, Hyder Ali passed away on December 7, 1782, after which Tipu Sultan took the throne on December 29, 1782.
• His ascension was marked by stability and immediate acceptance by the army, contrary to British hopes for internal strife.

End of the War and Treaty of Mangalore

• The war continued until early 1784, with Tipu Sultan maintaining an upper hand.
• The conflict concluded with the Treaty of Mangalore on March 11, 1784, where both parties agreed to revert to pre-war territorial boundaries and release prisoners of war.

Tipu Sultan’s Governance Post-War

• Despite the end of active conflict, Tipu Sultan recognized the ongoing threat posed by the British East India Company.
• He invested in military innovations, including the development of the Mysore rockets.
• Tipu also focused on infrastructural development, promoting silk production, and introducing new coinage, enhancing both the economy and military capabilities of Mysore.

Cultural and Administrative Contributions

• Known for his fascination with new technologies and sciences, Tipu Sultan supported advancements that benefited his state.
• As a devout Muslim, he showed considerable tolerance towards his majority-Hindu subjects, maintaining social harmony during his rule.

ALso Check – The Anglo-Maratha Wars – Detailed Notes with Flow Chart

The Third and Fourth Anglo-Mysore Wars

Third Anglo-Mysore War (1789-1792)

Context and Challenges

• The war commenced in 1789, during a period when France, Mysore’s usual ally, was embroiled in the French Revolution and unable to provide assistance.
• Led by Lord Cornwallis, the British forces were more focused and better resourced than in previous conflicts.

War Dynamics

• The conflict was intense and prolonged, with the British managing to gain significant ground over the years.
• Tipu Sultan faced major challenges but continued to resist British advances effectively.

Siege and Treaty of Seringapatam

• The war culminated in a British siege of Seringapatam, the capital of Mysore.
• Following the siege, the 1793 Treaty of Seringapatam was signed, resulting in substantial territorial losses for Mysore. The treaty ceded half of Mysore’s territory to the British and their allies, the Maratha Empire.
• Additionally, the treaty had harsh terms, including the handover of Tipu Sultan’s two sons as hostages to ensure payment of war indemnities. This act was a significant blow to Tipu Sultan’s authority and morale.

Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799)

Prelude to War

• In the backdrop of Napoleon Bonaparte’s failed invasion of Egypt and plans to advance towards India, the geopolitical landscape was tense.
• Despite initial hopes, an alliance between Napoleon and Tipu Sultan did not materialise, leaving Tipu isolated.

British Strategy and Tipu’s Response

• By 1798, the British had recovered from earlier conflicts and were led by Richard Wellesley, Earl of Mornington, who pursued a policy of aggressive expansion.
• Tipu Sultan had, however, rebuilt Mysore’s military and economic strength, making it the last significant barrier to British dominance in India.

Final Battle and Tipu Sultan’s Death

• In February 1799, a large British-led coalition of nearly 50,000 troops advanced towards Seringapatam.
• Despite being outnumbered, Tipu Sultan managed to launch a significant counterattack in early March, demonstrating his enduring tactical acumen.
• As British forces tightened their grip, Tipu attempted to negotiate peace, but was met with unreasonable demands from Wellesley, aimed at Mysore’s capitulation.
• Tipu Sultan died defending Seringapatam in May 1799, marking the end of Mysore’s resistance and Tipu’s own life.

The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War resulted in the complete subjugation of Mysore to British control, marking a pivotal moment in the colonial history of India.

Tipu Sultan’s death while defending his capital is remembered as a heroic end to a formidable reign characterised by fierce resistance against colonial powers.

Tipu Sultan’s Contributions, Legacy, Death, and Aftermath

Contributions and Legacy

• Military Innovations: Tipu Sultan significantly advanced military technology, most notably through the development of Mysore rockets. These iron-cased rockets were a precursor to modern rocket technology and were later adopted by the Europeans.
• Economic Development: He vigorously promoted economic activities in Mysore, particularly in silk production, which became a major industry under his rule. Additionally, he introduced a new form of coinage, which helped streamline trade and economic transactions within and beyond his kingdom.
• Educational and Technological Interests: Known for his keen interest in new technologies, Tipu Sultan supported various educational pursuits. He was an avid student of science and mathematics, which influenced many administrative and military advancements during his reign.
• Legacy of Resistance: Despite his ultimate defeat, Tipu Sultan is remembered for his valiant efforts against British colonial forces. His struggle is often seen as a significant part of India’s long fight for independence.

Death and Aftermath

• Defending Seringapatam: Tipu Sultan died on May 4, 1799, while heroically defending his capital, Seringapatam, against a massive British siege during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
• Mysore After Tipu: Following his death, the kingdom of Mysore was significantly diminished and became a princely state under the control of the British Raj. This marked a major shift in the power dynamics of the region, transitioning from a powerful independent kingdom to a controlled princely state.
• Family Hardships: After the fall of Seringapatam, Tipu Sultan’s family faced severe hardships and were stripped of their royal status and wealth. It was not until 2009 that his descendants were officially restored to princely status, acknowledging their historical significance.
• Notable Quote: A reflection of his fearless attitude and philosophy, Tipu Sultan famously said, “To live like a lion for a day is far better than to live for a hundred years like a jackal.” This quote encapsulates his approach to life and leadership, preferring honour and courage over a prolonged but submissive existence.