Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan is also recognized as the Tiger of Mysore or Tipu Sahab. Tipu Sultan full name was Sultan Fateh Ali Khan Shahab. He was born on 1st December 1751 at Devanahalli. Presently, it is a Bangalore rural district that is 33 kilometers north of the city of Bangalore. Tipu Sultan’s height was nearly 5 feet 8 inches. He had square shoulders, a short neck, and he was corpulent. Again, he had small limbs, especially his hands and feet. Tipu had a fair complexion and had an aquiline nose. But, who was Tipu Sultan beneath his brave deeds? Let us find out. 

(Image Will be Updated Soon)

About Tipu Sultan

Tipu is acknowledged as one of the most famous figures in the history of India. Hyder Ali was the father of Tipu Sultan, and his mother was Fatima Fakhr Un Nisa. Hyder Ali was a practical ruler who ruled the kingdom of Mysore during the 1750s, and he was also a military officer.

Tipu Sultan’s Parents

Though Hyder Ali was illiterate, he was very much specific about providing his eldest son Tipu Sultan the prince's education. Additionally, he was precise about providing his son early exposure to political and military affairs. Since Tipu Sultan’s age was only 17 years, he was an independent charger of vital military and diplomatic missions. The notable thing about Tipu is he had turned the right arm of his father during the wars. 

And so, Hyder appeared as the most potent ruler who ruled southern India. Hyder Ali appointed many able and experienced teachers for giving Tipu a promising early education in various subjects, such as Persian, Urdu, Kannada, Arabic, Islamic jurisprudence, Quran, fencing, shooting, and riding.

Hyder Ali’s career progressed remarkably, and in the year 1761, he became the ruler of Mysore. Ali had a political coalition with the French; hence, it is not surprising that Tipu learned many military strategies and tactics from the French. Tipu ruled Mysore from 7th December 1782 when his father died. 

Commonly, it is known that Sultan learned all the methods of war from his childhood days, and so, he became competent in martial arts even when he was very young. Muin-UD-Din was the maternal grandfather of Tipu Sultan and father of Tipu Sultan’s mother, Fakhr-un-Nisa. He was the governor of Kadapa fort. 

Wives of Tipu Sultan

According to some sources, Tipu Sultan has three wives, whereas some say he had four wives. Navayat Lady was his first wife. Ruqayya Banu was his second wife and was Lala Mian’s daughter. Khadija Zaman Begum was his last wife, and she was Saiyid Saheb’s daughter.

The Childhood of Tipu Sultan

Some of the finest tutors taught Tipu different subjects, such as riding, shooting, and swordsmanship. He joined his father during the 1766 invasion of Malabar. When Tipu was only 15, he captured the Malabar chief’s family with force containing 2-3 thousand men. The Malabar ruler did surrender himself to Hyder Ali due to the successful invasion of Tipu. A high military officer Ghazi Khan who was himself a great warrior taught Tipu Sultan many things, and this military education turned Tipu into an excellent general and a soldier. 

The Sword of Tipu Sultan

In many television shows and movies, Tipu Sultan’s sword has been displayed. His sword had a general length of 34 inches, whereas the size of the knife was 28 inches. The length of his sword’s handle was 6 inches. The blade of Tipu Sultan was created from stainless steel, and the Tipu Sultan’s sword weight is 0.85 kg. The importance of Sultan's silver replica sword allows it to be utilized in the form of a decoration or an ornament. The knife of his sword was finely tapered, and it was long and slender. 

Tipu Sultan’s Works

When Tipu Sultan was the ruler of Mysore, he implemented numerous revolutions in his administration. He was also the one who initiated rocket artillery. He was familiar with many administrative innovations when he was ruling the country, including a calendar and a novice coinage system. 

Again, he was the one who introduced a novice land revenue system that initiated the development of the silk industry of Mysore. Additionally, he prolonged the iron-cased rockets of Mysore and commissioned Fathul Mujahidin, the military manual. Sultan deployed the missiles against British forces’ advances at the Anglo-Mysore wars that included the Siege of Seringapatam and Battle of Pollilur.

The Laws Introduced by Tipu Sultan

Tipu introduced many new laws, and they comprised a novice lunisolar calendar, new coinage, and a new land revenue systemTIPUHe also began the expansion of the silk industry in Mysore. Because of the French's request, he formed a church, and it was the first that was built in Mysore. Again, with France's help, Tipu also fought against the Britishers, and it hugely helped in the independence of Mysore.

Tipu Sultan, who was prominently recognized as Sher-e-Mysore, was also provided the nickname of Sher-e-Mashriq and Sher-e-Hind. He went against British rule in South India and played a massive role in keeping the British forces away. Sultan was one of the rulers who dared challenge British India.

Why is Tipu Named the Tiger of Mysore?

Different historians have differing opinions regarding Tipu’s name. According to some, Tipu Sultan had confronted a tiger while hunting with his friend, and then he killed it. If the legend is believed, then the tiger pounced on Tipu's friend and killed him. Unfortunately, at that time, when Tipu attempted to kill the tiger, his gun refused to work. Again, the tiger knocked down his dagger on the ground. During this time, the animal jumped on Tipu, and when he was going to maul him, he collected the sword and killed it. This incident earned him the name “Tiger of Mysore.”

If other theories are believed, then Tipu Sultan’s logo has a tiger’s picture, and his soldiers’ uniform looked similar to tiger stripes. As such, he is called the “Tiger of Mysore.” Again, according to some historians, Tipu’s bravery has earned him this name. When the French heard about his skills, courage, and bravery, he was given his name. 

When did Tipu Sultan die?

Many people want to know how did Tipu Sultan die, or Tipu Sultan died in which battle? The fact is Tipu fought several wars and also defended his kingdom. On 4th May 1799, the British charged the fortress at Seringapatam, and here, Tipu Sultan was killed in this fight. The 4th Mysore war ended with his death. So, if someone asks you when did Tipu Sultan die, and how - tell them he died at the end of the 18th century and he died an honorable death. But the question - who was Tipu Sultan will never be complete because of erratic historical records. 

Some Interesting Facts About Tipu Sultan

• Tipu Sultan followed the religion of Sunni Islam, and his sword had the picture of a tiger engraved on it. 

• Tipu Sultan penned a book named “Khwabnama.” Here, he mentioned his dreams and revealed that he constantly looked for pictures and signs regarding his fight’s results.

• When Tipu Sultan died, the British forces snatched his ring and the sword in the form of war trophies.

• The belongings and leftovers of Tipu Sultan were exhibited at the museum of Britain till 2004. Afterward, Vijay Mallya did buy his sword in an auction for 21 crores.

• Though Tipu Sultan didn’t like the Hindu religion, he had a ring that had “Ram” imprinted on it. Tipu Sultan was the ruler of Mysore who became an embodiment of Indian nationalism and love for the motherland.