Tipu Sultan was a famous Muslim ruler of the Mysore state of South India, he ascended the throne after the death of his father Hyder Ali. Some historians present Tipu Sultan as a staunch Muslim ruler while some depict him as a freedom fighter. Although from historical sources he is a benevolent and respected ruler of Hindus. While writing or reading history, correct information can be obtained only by keeping one's personal feelings and thoughts neutral.
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History of Tipu Sultan
The brave and capable ruler Tipu Sultan signed the Treaty of Mangalore with the British East India Company to end the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
Along with this, let us tell you that this was the historical occasion in India when an Indian brave ruler ruled over the British.
The skilled warrior Tipu Sultan took over the throne of Mysore after the death of his father Hyder Ali and brought many changes during his reign and won many territories.
Along with this, the able ruler Tipu Sultan also expanded the Mysorean rocket made of iron. At the same time, in front of Tipu Sultan's rockets, the British army, which ruled India for many years, also trembled. Tipu Sultan used rockets for the first time on the battlefield.
This weapon of Tipu Sultan gave new possibilities to the future and gave a flight of imagination. At the same time, you can get an idea of Tipu Sultan's foresight about the future.
Let us tell you that about Tipu Sultan's rocket technology, former President Late APJ Abdul Kalam also mentioned in his book "WingsOf Fire".
At present, Tipu Sultan, using his best weapons in this way, had won many wars by performing commendable performances. Apart from being an able ruler, Tipu Sultan was a scholar, skilled, general, and a great poet. Who often used to say that -
"One day of a lion's life is better than a thousand years of a vulture"
Birth of brave warrior Tipu Sultan
Born on 10 November 1750 in Devanahalli, Bangalore, Tipu Sultan was named after Auliya Tipu Mastan of Tipu Sultan Arcot. Tipu Sultan was also known as Fateh Ali after his grandfather Fateh Muhammad. At the same time, the full name of Tipu Sultan was Sultan Sayeed Walsharif Fateh Ali Khan Bahadur Shah Tipu.
Tipu Sultan's education
Tipu Sultan's father Hyder Ali himself was not educated but he paid special attention to making Tipu Sultan a brave and skilled warrior. Even Hyder Ali had appointed qualified teachers for Tipu's education.
Actually, Hyder Ali had political ties with the French officers, so he had his son trained in political matters by skilled French officers in the army.
Tipu Sultan was taught Hindi, Urdu, Parsi, Arabic, and Kannada languages as well as Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, horse riding, shooting, and fencing.
Let us tell you that Tipu Sultan was very much interested in academics since childhood. Tipu Sultan was well educated as well as a skilled soldier. Tipu was a religious person and he recognized all religions. By some principles, he also opposed the religious persecution of Hindus and Christians.
Tipu Sultan's Early Life
At the age of just 15, Tipu Sultan had become proficient in the art of warfare. And he also took part in many military campaigns with his father Hyder Ali. He fought alongside his father in the First Battle of Mysore against the British in 1766 and was able to drive the British out with his skill and bravery.
At the same time, his father Hyder Ali became famous for becoming the most powerful ruler in the whole of India. After becoming the ruler of his father Hyder Ali, Tipu continued his policies and defeated the British many times with his skillful talent, besides dusting the Nizams on many occasions.
Tipu Sultan performed heroically and strategized wisely to save his father's Kingdom of Mysore from falling into the hands of the British East India Company. He was always committed to the defense of his country. Along with this, he was also known for his arrogant and aggressive nature.
Tipu Sultan fought two wars against the British during his reign, including the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790–1792) and the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War–1799, in the last war he was defeated and died. Tipu Sultan took part in many wars during his father's time and during the Second Anglo-Mysore War 1780-1784, during the war, Haider Ali died in 1782 when Tipu Sultan took command of the war.
Tipu Sultan corresponded with the French Emperor Napoleon to take revenge on the British and drive them out to India and also sent his envoy to the court of France. He took the membership of the Jacobin Party and set up an organization on the lines of that in India.
Tipu Sultan's war with the British
Tipu Sultan was making people Muslim through his expansionist policy and forced conversion. During this time Tipu Sultan made Mysore a very large and vast state. By now the British had started doing business in India and the eyes of the British had read about the governance system of India.
That is why the British took the Marathas and Nizams of the south with them and the three armies moved towards Mysore. In 1790, the three armies fought Tipu Sultan in Mysore. This war is known in history as the Third Battle of Mysore. At that time Lord Cornwallis was made the Viceroy of India. Lord Cornwallis intensified the war to fight with Tipu Sultan.
Taking Maratha and Nizam together attacked Mysore. But the British did not get anything special here. That is why Tipu Sultan made a treaty (1792 Shrirangapattam ) in this war and gave 3,000,000 pounds to the British, two parts of which were received by the Maratha and the Nizam. But in places, the British had gained their authority.
In the Third Battle of Mysore, the British established their authority over some posts in the hilly areas of Mysore. Due to this, due to their expansion politics, they gradually started coming back to war again. Here the British built a huge army and attacked Tipu Sultan. Tipu Sultan was defeated.
That is why while surrendering Tipu Sultan gave 3 crore currency to the British and gave his two sons hostage. The British gave this money in two parts to the Nizam and the Maratha. Now more than half of the land was under British rule.
The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War between Tipu Sultan and the British was fought in 1799 AD, which is known as the Fourth Mysore War. Tipu Sultan suffered a crushing defeat in this war because the British had captured almost half of Mysore and bought the remaining small states and princely states by intimidation and money.
Now Tipu Sultan was left alone and his army had also become weak. That is why the Sultan had to face a crushing defeat in this. After the crushing defeat of Tipu Sultan, the Hindu dynasty here was handed over the charge of Mysore and once again Mysore came under the control of the Hindu ruler.
Death of tipu sultan
Tipu Sultan, the powerful Muslim ruler of South India, died on 4 May 1799. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the entire Mysore state came under British control. The British declared the Hindu ruler here the king and started their business of business here.
Gradually, the British started doing their business in the whole of Mysore and spread their business all over India, after which the British started ruling the whole of India along with trade.
Tipu Sultan made many new weapons during his reign. Apart from this, iron rockets were also made, which proved to be quite fatal. Apart from this, new coins and calendars were made by Tipu Sultan during his reign.
Tipu Sultan's family
Tipu
Sultan's father's name was Hyder Ali, who was a capable military
officer of the Kingdom of Mysore in South India. His mother's name was
Fatima Fakh-un Nisa and Tipu Sultan was the eldest son of both of them.
His
father Hyder Ali, on the strength of his intelligence and skill, came
to power in the year 1761 as the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore
and on the strength of his skill and ability, he ruled the Mysore state
for years on the strength of his skill and ability.
At the same
time, after the death of his father in 1782, Tipu Sultan - took over the
throne of the Kingdom of Mysore. At the same time, he was married to
the Sindh Sultan, although after this he did many more marriages. He
also had many children from his different Begums.
Tipu Sultan's wives and children
By the way, Tipu Sultan had many marriages, out of which information about the names of his main wives Khadija Zaman Begum, Sindhu Sultan, etc. is obtained from historical sources. Information is available about his total 15 sons, whose names are as follows –
Names of 15 Sons of Tipu Sultan
- Muhammad Nizam-ud-din – Khan Sultan
- Ghulam Ahmed Khan Sultan
- Prince Haider Ali
- Ghulam Mohammad Sultan Sahib
- Miraj-ud-din - Ali Khan Sultan
- Abdul Khaliq Khan Sultan
- Sarwar ud-din – Khan Sultan
- Muhammad Shukruullah Khan Sultan
- Munir-ud-din- Khan Sultan
- Muhi ud-din - Khan Sultan
- Muhammad Subhan Khan Sultan
- Muhammad Yasin Khan Sultan
- Muiz-ud-Din-Khan Sultan
- Hashmuth Ali Khan Sultan
- Muhammad Jamal-ud-din-Khan Sultan
Major Wars of Tipu Sultan's Life
Major wars between the Mysore government and the East India Company:
- First Anglo-Mysore War 1767–69)
- Second Anglo-Mysore War 1780-84)
- Third Anglo-Mysore War 1790-92)
- Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, 1799)
Major Wars Between Maratha Empire and Mysore Rule:
- Battle of Nargund (1785)
- Adoni War 1786)
- Savanur War 1786)
- Battle of Badami 1786)
- Battle of Bahadur Benda, 1787)
- Battle of Gajendragarh, 1786)
Tipu Sultan's Reign
Apart from being brave, Tipu Sultan was also very adept at strategizing with wit. He never gave up during his reign and forced the British to defeat.
Let us tell you that Tipu Sultan was known as a simple leader with a respected personality during his reign. At the same time, Tipu got a lot of respect from his subjects.
Tipu Sultan was a founding member of the Jacobin Club, which maintained its allegiance to the French. He was a true patriot like his father.
Apart from this, the great warrior Tipu Sultan won the trust of many international allies like the French, the Emir of Afghanistan, and the Sultan of Turkey against the British during his reign.
Here we are telling you some important facts about Tipu Sultan's reign which are written below.
Tipu had already foreseen the danger of the expansion of the British East India Company. Tipu and his father Hyder Ali defeated the British in the First Mysore War in 1766.
After this, in the year 1779, the British captured the French port which was under Tipu's protection. In the year 1780, Tipu Sultan's father Hyder Ali decided to fight a battle against the British for revenge. And in the Second Mysore War of 1782 with his son Tipu Sultan, he also strongly defeated the British.
At the same time, a campaign was also launched in the form of the Second Anglo-Mysore War, in which he succeeded. To end this war, he wisely made a treaty of Mangalore with the British. During this Haider Ali was suffering from deadly diseases like cancer and in the year 1782, he breathed his last.
Let us tell you that after the death of his father, Tipu Sultan, being the eldest son, was placed on the throne of the Kingdom of Mysore. On 22 December 1782, Tipu Sultan succeeded his father Hyder Ali and became the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. After assuming the throne, Tipu Sultan made many important changes in his rule and worked on military strategies in alliance with the Marathas and Mughals to check the advances of the British.
Tipu Sultan proved to be a better and more efficient ruler during his reign for his ability and efficient strategies. Let us tell you that when Tipu Sultan was handling the Kingdom of Mysore, he fulfilled every responsibility in a better way.
During his reign, Tipu Sultan completed the unfinished projects of his father such as the construction of roads, bridges, houses for the subjects, and ports. Apart from this, he not only made many military changes with rocket technology but also proved himself to be a visionary. Tiger Tipu Sultan was the first to use rockets in the war to defeat enemies with this powerful weapon.
Tipu Sultan's reputation as a courageous warrior had spread far and wide. In view of this, this great warrior planned to expand his territory. Along with this the thought of acquiring the state of Travancore. Let us tell you that Travancore was an ally of the British East India Company. At the same time, the fight to get this state started in the year 1789. Thus began the Third Anglo-Mysore War from here.
The Maharaja of Travancore sought help from the East India Company to face a brave ruler like Tipu. After which Lord Cornwallis built a strong military force to defeat this great warrior and formed an alliance with the Nizams of Hyderabad.
After this, in the year 1790, the East India Company's army attacked Tipu Sultan and soon established maximum control over Coimbatore. After which Tipu also attacked Cornwallis. But unfortunately, they could not get success in this campaign.
At the same time, this fight continued for about 2 years. In the year 1792, Tipu Sultan signed the Treaty of Srirangapatnam to end this war. During this time he had to lose his territories including Malabar and Mangalore.
However, Tipu Sultan was a very arrogant and aggressive ruler, so he did not end his fight with the British even after losing many of his territories. In the year 1799, the East India Company, in alliance with the Marathas and the Nizams, attacked Tipu Sultan's Mysore state. This was the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
In which the British had captured the capital of Mysore, Srirangapatna. In this way, the great ruler Tipu Sultan fought three big battles during his reign and forever recorded his name in the pages of history as a brave warrior.
When the great ruler Tipu Sultan attained martyrdom
The British, who run the policy of 'divide, rule', betrayed Tipu Sultan even after making a treaty. The East India Company, along with the Nizams of Hyderabad, attacked Tipu for the fourth time and killed the great warrior Tipu Sultan in this battle.
In this way, on May 4, 1799, the Lion of Mysore was martyred while protecting Srirangapatna. After this, his body was buried in Srirangapatna, Mysore. It is also said that the British took the sword of Tipu Sultan to Britain.
In this way, the heroic warrior Tipu Sultan attained martyrdom forever and after that, the tales of his heroism were printed in the pages of history forever.
After the death of the great warrior Tipu Sultan, in 1799 AD, the minor grandson of his old Hindu king, who was placed on the throne by the British in a part of Mysore state, was appointed as Diwan Puraniya.
Development work of heroic warrior Tipu Sultan
The brave warrior Tipu Sultan did many development works during his reign. This was the reason that he also got a lot of respect from the subjects of his state. After the martyrdom of Tipu Sultan, two rockets from Srirangapatna were put on display in the Artillery Gallery of Britain's Woolwich Museum.
When Tipu Sultan was taking over the command of Mysore, he laid the foundation of a dam on the site of the river Kaveri to store water. Tipu successfully completed the 'Lal Bagh Project' started by his father Haider.
Tipu was no doubt an efficient administrator and a capable general. He also introduced the 'modern calendar' and used a new system of coinage and cannon. He was a visionary ruler, he got the 'Tree of Freedom' planted in his capital Srirangapatna and also became a member of the 'Jacobin Club'. Apart from this, let us tell you that he used to call himself a citizen Tipu.
Tipu Sultan's Fort
Tipu's Fort is also known as Palakkad Fort. Actually, it is situated in the heart of Palakkad Town. Along with this, this fort is a popular and historical building in the Palakkad district. Let us tell you that this fort was built in the year 1766.
The fort was used by the kings of Mysore for important military activities. An open ground is situated near the fort, which is known by the locals as Kotta Maidanam or the grounds of the fort.
According to historical beliefs, this ground was the stable of the Tipu Sultan, where the animals of the armies were reared. At the same time, this ground is now used for meetings, sports competitions, and exhibitions.
Let us tell you that now this historical heritage Tipu's Fort is looked after by the Archaeological Department of India. Tipu's father and the Sultan of Mysore, Hyder Ali, built this fort with 'Light Right' i.e. 'Makharla'.
At the same time, when Hyder Ali had conquered and subjugated Malabar and Kochi, he built this fort. After which Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, claimed his right over this fort.
Tipu Sultan's Palakkad Fort was a power fortress in Kerala, from where he fought against the British. Similarly, in a war in the year 1784, under the leadership of Colonel Fuller, British soldiers surrounded the fort for 11 days and captured it. Then the Samutiri of Kozhikode conquered this fort. In 1790, British troops recaptured the fort. By winning the 'Battle of Buxar in Bengal and the Fourth Battle of Mysore in the south, the British strengthened their hold on Indian politics.
Special and interesting facts related to the great ruler Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan is known for his skill and greatness. He was a great warrior, and Tipu Sultan's fame spread far and wide. Tipu Sultan is also called the world's first missile man. Because they had used rockets before. According to sources, Tipu Sultan's rockets are kept in the famous Science Museum of London.
Tipu Sultan's full name was 'Sultan Fateh Ali Khan Shahab' and he was named here by his father Hyder Ali. He was also a diplomat and a firm visionary.
Qualified and efficient ruler Tipu Sultan wanted to rule the whole country by becoming an emperor, but this wish of that great warrior was not fulfilled.
Tipu won the first battle against the British at the age of 18.
It is said that Tipu Sultan renamed many places after Muslim names. But after his death, the names of all the places were again renamed to the old names.
Let us tell you that as soon as Tipu Sultan took over the throne, his kingdom Mysore was declared a Muslim state. It is also said for Tipu Sultan that he converted about 10 million Hindus to Muslims during his reign. But after the death of Tipu, most of those who were converted to Hinduism returned.
Is also famous for the name Tipu Sultan Tipu used to wear a ring named 'Ram', while after his death this ring was taken off by the British and he also took it with him.
In the year 1799, Tipu Sultan was martyred while defending his kingdom Mysore in the fourth battle against the British.
Tipu used to call himself a citizen Tipu.
It is said that Tipu Sultan had 12 children. Out of which only two children have been known.
Interesting facts about Tipu Sultan's sword
- An interesting fact about Tipu Sultan's sword is that when the great warrior was martyred, his sword was found lying near his dead body, after which the British took his sword to Britain and made it a trophy of their victory. It was kept in the museum there.
- His sword had a stone-studded tiger on it.
- Tipu Sultan's sword weighs 7 kg and 400 grams. At the same time, the value of his sword was estimated at crores of rupees in today's time.
- In this way, the great and capable warrior Tipu Sultan, with his ability, power, and understanding, defeated the British on the battlefield and protected his kingdom. A brave ruler like Tipu Sultan will always be remembered.
Frequently asked questions about Tipu Sultan
Q. Which Indian ruler is known by the name 'Lion of Mysore'?
Answer: Tipu Sultan.
Q. Which Indian ruler first used fireball in the war?
Answer:- Tipu Sultan.
Q. When and for what reason did Tipu Sultan die?
Answer: Tipu Sultan died while fighting against the British in the Fourth English-Mysore War on 4 May 1799.
Q. At what age did Tipu Sultan join the war for the first time? What was the name of this war and against whom was it fought?
Answer: In the 15th year of age, Tipu Sultan did the first war against the British, and he along with his father Hyder Ali joined this war. This war is known as the First Anglo-Mysore War or the First Anglo-Mysore War.
Q. From which historical books do we get information about Tipu Sultan?
Answer: History of Tipu Sultan – Mohibbul Hasan, History of Tipu Sultan – Khan Hussain Ali Kirmani, Tiger – The Life of Tipu Sultan, Tipu Sultan – Villain or Hero, The Sword of Tipu Sultan, The Dreams of Tipu Sultan – Girish Karnad, Kingdom of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan – Anwar Haroon, The Real Tipu – A Brief History of Tipu Sultan, etc.
Q. How old was Tipu Sultan at the time of his death?
Answer: 48 years.
Q. Why is Tipu Sultan famous in the history of India and the world?
Answer: With his father Hyder Ali, at the age of just 15, Tipu Sultan took part in the First Anglo-Mysore War against the British, where he introduced his courage, fighting skills, and valor to the British. After the death of his father, Tipu Sultan took over the rule of the entire Mysore state, in which he also did a lot of development work. Many times he also had to face war against the British and the Maratha Empire, in which many times he defeated or damaged the competitor.
Tipu Sultan was the first ruler in Indian history to use firearms during the war, this was probably the first use in the war history of the world, for which Tipu Sultan is often mentioned as the modifier of the firearm system. Tipu Sultan is also addressed by the name 'Lion of Mysore', etc. Due to various reasons, Tipu Sultan is very famous in India and world history.
Q. Which languages were known to Tipu Sultan?
Answer: Hindi, Urdu, Kannada, Arabic, Farsi.Q. What was the name of the capital of Tipu Sultan?
Answer: Srirangapatna.
Q. What is the weight of Tipu Sultan's sword?
Answer: About 7 kg and 400 grams.
Q: What made Tipu Sultan famous?
A: Tipu Sultan's legacy is multifaceted. He gained renown for his:
- Military leadership: He modernized his army, employing cutting-edge weaponry like rockets and artillery, and fiercely resisted British expansion in South India.
- Administrative reforms: He implemented new systems for coinage, land revenue, and trade, contributing to Mysore's economic growth.
- Cultural influence: He actively patronized the arts and literature, and some view him as a champion of Islamic culture in India.
Q: Who was Tipu Sultan?
A: Tipu Sultan (1751-1799) reigned as the ruler of Mysore from 1782 to 1799. He was a multifaceted figure – a skilled military leader, a shrewd statesman, and a learned scholar.
Q: Where and when did Tipu Sultan die?
A: He died fighting British forces in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War on May 4, 1799, in Seringapatam (present-day Shrirangapatna).
Q: Where is Tipu Sultan's final resting place?
A: His remains lie in the mausoleum near the Jumma Masjid in Seringapatam.
Q: What languages did he speak?
A: His primary language was Persian, the administrative language of his kingdom. He likely knew Kannada and Tamil, spoken by his subjects, as well.
Q: What inscription adorned Tipu Sultan's sword?
A: "Shamshir-e Malik" (The Sword of the King) was inscribed on his blade. Additionally, motifs associated with high-quality Mughal swords were present.
Q: What happened to Tipu Sultan's family after his death?
A: Fearing potential uprisings, the British relocated his family, including sons and immediate relatives, to Kolkata for security purposes.
Q: Why was he called the "Tiger of Mysore"?
A: This nickname reflects his fierce resistance against British rule and his reputation as a courageous and resolute leader.
Q: Was Tipu Sultan considered Indian?
A: This is a complex question with varying interpretations. He was born, raised, and ruled in India, identifying with Indian culture. However, his Muslim faith and conflict with British interests add another layer to his identity.
Q: How did Tipu Sultan meet his end?
A: He died defending Seringapatam in battle against British forces led by General David Baird and Colonel Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington).
