With regard to Tipu Sultan, consider the following statements:1. He i...
Key-Points - Statement 1 is correct: Tipu Sultan instituted a new calendar in 1784.
- The new era which he introduced consisted of twelve Luni-Solar years of twelve lunar months. In both eras, the year consisted of 354 days.
- But while in the traditional Islamic year, the shortage of eleven days compared with the solar year was not regularised, Tipu adopted the principle of intercalary months to make his calendar agree with the solar year.
- Significantly, this method was borrowed from the Hindu calendar. He issued fascinating varieties of coins that are unique in the numismatic history of India.
- He reformed the coinage system and invented special names for coins having different denominations, mints as well as the
- dating system. Tipu Sultan issued a large variety of coins in Gold, Silver, and copper.
- The gold and silver coins are especially known for their decorative legends in Arabic scripts.
- In the initial years of his reign, the coins bear Hijri Date. The coins issued during the later years of his reign depict a new calendar system.
- i.e., Mauludi Era.
- The peculiar characteristic of the coins of Tipu Sultan is the names given to them.
- Tipu Sultan named each and every coin issued by him, and no two names were the same. The Gold and Silver coins of Tipu Sultan were named after Muhammadan saints and Khalifas, whereas his copper coins (except “double paisa”) bear the names of the stars.
Statement 2 is not correct: Haider Ali established a modern arsenal at Dindigul (Tamil Nadu) with the help of French experts to prepare his army in a modern way.
With regard to Tipu Sultan, consider the following statements:1. He i...
TIPU SULTAN: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Tipu Sultan, also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in South India from 1782 to 1799. He was a prominent figure in the resistance against British colonialism and played a significant role in the Anglo-Mysore Wars. He is remembered for his administrative, military, and technological reforms, as well as his resistance against British rule.
STATEMENT 1: HE INTRODUCED A NEW CALENDAR AND A SYSTEM OF COINAGE IN MYSORE
Tipu Sultan indeed introduced a new calendar and a system of coinage in Mysore. This statement is correct.
- New Calendar: Tipu Sultan introduced a new calendar called the "Tarikh-e-Khudadi" or "Khudadad-e-San." It was based on the Islamic lunar calendar and included specific dates for religious events and festivals. This calendar was used in Mysore during Tipu Sultan's reign.
- New Coinage System: Tipu Sultan also introduced a new system of coinage in Mysore. He minted coins with inscriptions in Persian and Kannada languages. The coins had various denominations and were made of different metals, including gold and silver. The introduction of a new coinage system helped facilitate trade and commerce within the kingdom.
STATEMENT 2: HE ESTABLISHED A MODERN ARSENAL AT DINDIGUL WITH THE HELP OF FRENCH EXPERTS
The second statement is incorrect. Tipu Sultan did establish a modern arsenal, but it was not at Dindigul, and it was not with the help of French experts.
- Modern Arsenal: Tipu Sultan recognized the importance of modern weaponry in warfare and established a modern arsenal in Srirangapatna, his capital city. The arsenal produced a wide range of advanced weaponry, including muskets, cannons, rockets, and even a type of early missile known as the "Mysorean Rocket." These technological advancements gave Tipu Sultan an edge in battles against his adversaries.
- French Connection: While Tipu Sultan did have diplomatic and military ties with the French, it was not the French who helped him establish the modern arsenal. Instead, he sought assistance from experts in various European countries, including France. He invited engineers and technicians from France, Britain, and other nations to help him modernize his army and arsenal.
Therefore, statement 1 is correct as Tipu Sultan introduced a new calendar and a system of coinage in Mysore. Statement 2 is incorrect as the modern arsenal was established in Srirangapatna, not Dindigul, and the assistance came from various European experts, not specifically French experts. The correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.