Tipu Sultan

Tippu Birthplace

War coat of Tipu Sultan

Flintlock Blunderbuss Tipoo Sahib Seringapatam 1793 1794

Battle of pollilur

Error creating thumbnail:

Tipu Sultan%27s cannon

Tipu Sultan seated on his throne

Tipu Sultan (20 November 1751 – 4 May 1799), also known as Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu and popularly dubbed the Tiger of Mysore, was a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore and a pioneer of rocket artillery. He introduced a number of administrative innovations during his rule, including his coinage, a new land revenue system which initiated the growth of the Mysore silk industry, and his military innovations. Tipu Sultan is remembered for his valiant efforts in defending his kingdom against the British East India Company during the late 18th century.

Early Life

Tipu Sultan was born on 20 November 1751 in Devanahalli, present-day Karnataka. He was the eldest son of Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore and his wife Fatima Fakhr-un-Nisa. Tipu was trained to be a warrior from his early childhood and accompanied his father on military campaigns.

Reign

After the death of his father in 1782, Tipu Sultan ascended the throne of Mysore. He continued the ongoing Second Anglo-Mysore War and subsequently fought the Third and Fourth Anglo-Mysore Wars against the British forces. His aggressive campaigns against his neighbors and the British, coupled with his administrative reforms, significantly expanded and strengthened Mysore.

Military Innovations

Tipu Sultan was a pioneer in the use of rocket artillery, deploying the Mysorean rockets against British forces. These rockets were a significant improvement over the traditional rockets used elsewhere, with greater range and accuracy. His military tactics and the use of rockets are considered to have been ahead of their time.

Administrative Reforms

Tipu Sultan introduced several administrative reforms, including a new land revenue system that was more equitable than the previous system. He also promoted the silk industry in Mysore, which laid the foundation for Mysore to become one of the leading silk producers in India. His efforts in developing the state's economy are noteworthy.

Death and Legacy

Tipu Sultan died on 4 May 1799 while defending his capital, Seringapatam, against British forces during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. His death marked the end of resistance against British rule in South India. Despite his defeat, Tipu Sultan is remembered as a valiant fighter and a visionary ruler who introduced advanced military technology and administrative reforms.

His legacy is a subject of debate; he is considered a hero in Indian history for his resistance against British colonialism, while others critique his rule for religious intolerance and suppression of dissent.

See Also

• Hyder Ali
• Kingdom of Mysore
• British East India Company
• Mysorean rockets