Artefacts of Tipoo Sultan

Tipoo Sultan (1750–1799), known as the 'Tiger of Mysore,' was born on November 20, 1750, to Hyder Ali, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, and Fatima Fakhr-un-Nisa. Educated in military strategy and various subjects, Tipu Sultan first distinguished himself in battle at the age of 15. He played a significant role in his father's campaigns against the British and other Indian powers, becoming an adept military leader.

After Hyder Ali's death in 1782, Tipoo succeeded him as the Sultan of Mysore. Under his rule, Mysore continued its resistance against British expansion in southern India. He fought in multiple Anglo-Mysore Wars, most notably defeating British forces in the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784) and securing favorable peace terms.

Tipoo was also a progressive ruler, known for introducing innovations like the Mysore rockets, modernizing his army, and fostering trade and infrastructure development in Mysore. His military prowess, however, could not prevent British domination. The Third and Fourth Anglo-Mysore Wars resulted in heavy territorial losses for Mysore. In 1799, during the Siege of Seringapatam, Tipoo Sultan was killed defending his capital. His death marked the end of Mysore's independence, and the kingdom became a princely state under British control.

Tipoo Sultan is remembered as a fierce opponent of British colonialism and a visionary ruler who sought to modernize his kingdom.