PRINCELY KINGDOM
HISTORY OF MYSORE
HYDER ALI During the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar-II, Hyder Ali was a commander in chief of Mysore. He soon became the de-facto ruler of the Mysore kingdom. He conquered Bednore, Sandra, Sira, Canara and Guti. The growing power of Hyder Ali was a threat to the Nizams of Hyderabad, the English and the Marathas. The latter formed an alliance and fought the famous 1st war of Mysore. The brave Hyder Ali, with his son's involvement fought the war and the British suffered heavy casualties. British had to sue for peace, and the treaty was signed which in fact defended Hyder from further attacks. The First Mysore was ended in favour of Hyder Ali.
TIPU SULTAN
(1750 - 1799 AD)The Tiger of Mysore was the title for this brave son of Hyder, who was a terror to the British. During the first war, the British were badly beaten by him. He continued his struggle against British and their allies Nizam Shahi and the Marathas.
In 1789, he allied with the French, and dared to attack Travancore which was under British protection. The grave mistake lost him half of his territory. In 1799, the British with 16000 men of Colonel Arther Wellesley, 21000 men of General Harris and 6000 force of British force marched to Srirangapatna and broke through the fort of Srirangapatna in surprise. Tipu rushed to the spot to defend his kingdom but was shot to death by the British army. Tipu lost his life, but not the fame that he left behind. The great king who was a nightmare to the British left Mysore to be ruled by the Wodeyars again.
LAST UPDATED 1st Nov 2001
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