Remembering Our Freedom Fighter: Sher-e-Hind Hazrat Tipu Sultan (R.A.)
Honouring the courageous ruler of Mysore whose bravery, innovation, and sacrifice left an indelible mark on India’s fight against colonial rule.
Tipu Sultan, born as Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu, is remembered as one of the most determined rulers to challenge British power in India. Often called the Tiger of Mysore, he led his kingdom through an era of military innovation, economic reform, and strong resistance against colonial forces.
Early Life and Education
While November 20, 1750, has long been cited as Tipu Sultan’s birth date, newer historical evidence suggests he was actually born on December 1, 1751. His birthplace, however, is well established as Devanahalli, located in today’s Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka.
He was the eldest son of Hyder Ali, the de facto ruler of Mysore, and Fatima Fakhr-un-Nisa. Despite Hyder Ali being illiterate, he ensured that his son received an exceptional education. Tipu studied Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Kannada, along with the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, and various subjects related to governance.
Tipu also received intensive military training from both Indian and French officers. Skills such as riding, shooting, fencing, and battlefield tactics were part of his rigorous early instruction.
Early Military Career
Tipu Sultan began accompanying his father on military missions in his early teens. At 15, he joined Hyder Ali in campaigns against the British, and at 16, he commanded cavalry units in key battles during the First Mysore War and later the First Anglo-Maratha War.
His discipline, courage, and quick understanding of battlefield strategy made him an important military leader even before he ascended the throne.
Ascending the Throne
Hyder Ali passed away in December 1782 during the Second Anglo-Mysore War. Tipu Sultan succeeded him as ruler of Mysore, ushering in a period marked by bold military decisions, thoughtful administration, and unyielding resistance to British expansion.
Resistance Against the British
Tipu Sultan fought four major wars against the British East India Company. His victory at the Battle of Pollilur remains one of the most significant defeats suffered by British forces in India.
He is also remembered as a pioneering military innovator. His refinement of iron-cased Mysorean rockets, far superior to European models of the time, later inspired British rocket technology.
Reforms and Governance
As a ruler, Tipu Sultan introduced wide-ranging administrative and economic reforms:
- Strengthened agriculture, trade, and industry
- Introduced a new currency system and a new calendar
- Implemented revenue reforms that helped shape the Mysore silk industry
- Continued work on public projects such as the Lal Bagh Botanical Garden
- Promoted arts and crafts, including Channapatna wooden toys
His policies helped Mysore rise to one of the most prosperous states of the era.
Relations With Neighbouring Powers
Tipu Sultan’s military engagements extended beyond the British. He fought against the Marathas, Travancore, the rulers of Malabar, Kodagu, Carnatic, and often clashed with the Nizam of Hyderabad. His alliance with the French was strategic, built on a shared opposition to British expansion.
Religious Outlook
Tipu Sultan hailed from a religious family and practiced Islam devotedly. Under his rule, festivals such as Eid, Mawlid, Ashura, and the Urs of Sufi saints were widely observed.
Historical records also show that he permitted and supported festivals of other faith communities, reflecting his administrative commitment to maintaining harmony in a diverse kingdom.
Final Battle and Martyrdom
The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799 brought Tipu Sultan face-to-face with a massive allied force of the British, Marathas, and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Refusing to surrender, he fought until his last breath.
On 4 May 1799, Tipu Sultan was killed defending his capital, Srirangapatna. He died as he lived fighting on the battlefield an act widely regarded as heroic and steadfast.
Legacy and Modern Recognition
Tipu Sultan’s legacy continues to spark discussion and debate. While some critics question certain aspects of his rule, he is widely honored as a leader who resisted colonial rule and modernized his kingdom.
Leaders such as Subhas Chandra Bose, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, K.R. Narayanan, and Ram Nath Kovind have praised his bravery, innovation, and administrative vision.
Indian textbooks recognize him as a freedom fighter, and many institutions continue to commemorate his contributions.
Public discussions around Tipu Sultan Jayanti highlight differing political perspectives, yet millions continue to regard him as a symbol of resistance, courage, and national pride.
Conclusion
Tipu Sultan’s life brings together courage, scholarship, innovation, and unwavering resistance to foreign domination.
More than two centuries after his death, the Tiger of Mysore remains a powerful symbol of a ruler who preferred martyrdom over surrender a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
