The Controversy Surrounding the Naming of a Garden after Tipu Sultan in Mumbai
A recent news item triggering debate is about naming a garden in Mumbai after Tipu Sultan. Understanding this controversy requires a dive into the life and contributions of Tipu Sultan, a prominent figure in Indian history.
Who was Tipu Sultan?
Tipu Sultan, born in November 1750, was the son of Haidar Ali and famously known as the “Tiger of Mysore”. With an educational background encompassing Arabic, Persian, Kanarese, and Urdu, he was a well-educated leader. As Mysore’s ruler from 1782 to 1799, he revolutionized administration through his coinage, a new Mauludi lunisolar calendar, and introduced a new land revenue system promoting the growth of the Mysore silk industry. He combined western military methods with traditional Indian weaponry for his armed forces, enabling them to rival the British armies.
Maintenance of Armed Forces
Tipu Sultan modernized his army based on the European model, using Persian words of command. Despite engaging French officers for training his soldiers, he ensured they did not form a pressure group. Recognizing the importance of a naval force, he set up a Board of Admiralty in 1796, with plans for a fleet and three dockyards. Unfortunately, his plans could not materialize.
Tipu Sultan’s Battles Against the Marathas and British
In 1767, Tipu led a cavalry corps against the Marathas in the Carnatic region. He also engaged them multiple times between 1775 and 1779. Both Tipu and his father were seen by the British as ambitious and needed to be controlled. This led to four Anglo-Mysore wars, culminating in the Battle of Seringapatam in 1799, where Tipu was killed. Mysore was subsequently placed under the former Wodeyars rulers and a subsidiary alliance imposed.
Contributions in Science, Technology, and Diplomacy
Tipu Sultan was also a patron of science and technology, earning him recognition as the ‘pioneer of rocket technology’ in India. He authored a military manual, Fathul Mujahidin, explaining rocket operations. Tipu maintained diplomatic relations with French soldiers, allowing the establishment of a Jacobin Club at Seringapatam in 1797. He was also a member of the club and allowed himself to be called Citizen Tipu.
The Concept of Subsidiary Alliance
The Subsidiary Alliance, introduced by Wellesley in 1798, compelled Indian rulers to maintain the British army financially in exchange for protection against enemies. The allied Indian states could not declare war or negotiate without British consent. While the policy promised non-interference in the allied state’s internal affairs, it was seldom maintained by the British. The high cost disrupted the allied state’s economy while enabling the British to maintain a large army funded by the Indian states. Wellesley’s first Subsidiary Treaty happened with the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1798, followed by the Nawab of Avadh and Peshwa Baji Rao II in 1801 and 1802, respectively.
