The British were furious against Tipu Sultan. Consider the following ...
Reasons for British Fury against Tipu Sultan
There were several reasons why the British were furious against Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in South India. These reasons are discussed below:
Control of Trade at Malabar: Tipu Sultan controlled trade at Malabar, which was an important trading center for the British East India Company. The Company had stakes in this trade and Tipu's control over it threatened their profits.
Stopping Export of Precious Items: Tipu Sultan also stopped the export of precious items like pepper, cardamom, and sandalwood, which were important commodities for the British. He also disallowed local merchants from trading with the Company, which further infuriated them.
Close Relationship with the French: Tipu Sultan established a close relationship with the French, who were the arch-rivals of the British in India. He sought their help in his fight against the British and even signed a treaty with them.
Incorrect Reason
None of the reasons given above is incorrect. All of them contributed to the British fury against Tipu Sultan. However, it is important to note that Tipu Sultan's actions were not unjustified. He was trying to protect the interests of his kingdom and his people from the exploitation of the British East India Company. His close relationship with the French was also a strategic move to counter the British dominance in India.
The British were furious against Tipu Sultan. Consider the following ...
- Mysore had grown in strength under powerful rulers like Haidar Ali (from 1761-1782) and his famous son Tipu Sultan (from 1782-1799).
- Mysore controlled the profitable trade of the Malabar Coast where the Company purchased pepper and cardamom.
- In 1785, Tipu Sultan stopped the export of sandalwood, pepper and cardamom through his kingdom's ports and disallowed local merchants from trading with the Company.
- He also established a close relationship with the French in India and modernised his army with their help. The British were furious.
- They saw Haidar and Tipu as ambitious, arrogant and dangerous—rulers who had to be controlled and crushed.
- Four wars were fought with Mysore (1767-1769, 1780-1784, 1790- 1792 and 1799). Only in the last—the Battle of Seringapatam—did the Company ultimately win a victory.
- Tipu Sultan was killed defending his capital Seringapatam, Mysore was placed under the former ruling dynasty of the Wodeyars, and a subsidiary alliance was imposed on the state.