2.2 Anglo-Mysore Wars (1798 – 1799): Causes, Events, Consequences

I. Introduction

• Mysore, a prominent kingdom in South India, played a pivotal role during the British expansion in India.
• The region became a focal point of contention between the British East India Company and local rulers, leading to a series of conflicts known as the Anglo-Mysore Wars.
• Mysore’s strategic location and its rich resources made it a valuable asset for the British, influencing their expansionist policies in the southern part of the subcontinent.
• The interactions between Mysore and the British not only shaped the political landscape of the region but also had lasting implications for the broader Indian nationalist movement.

II. The Wodeyar Dynasty

Origins and early rulers of the Wodeyar Dynasty

• The Wadiyar dynasty, also known as the Wadiyars of Mysore, is a late-medieval/early-modern South Indian Hindu royal family. They were originally from the Urs clan based in Mysore city.
• The dynasty was founded in 1399 by Yaduraya Wodeyar.
• As Maharajas of Mysore, the Wadiyars ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from the late 1300s until 1950.
• Initially, during the late 14th century, the family served as poleygars (garrison leaders) defending regions around Mysore for the Vijayanagara Empire.
• With the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 17th century, the Wadiyars declared independence. Raja Wadiyar seized the town of Srirangapattana in 1610, marking a significant shift in power.
• The Wadiyars trace their ancestry to Lord Krishna. However, some historians suggest that they were local feudal lords who adopted puranic legends to establish their lineage.

Socio-political and cultural contributions

• The Wadiyars were notable patrons of the fine arts. They supported numerous musicians, writers, and painters, making Mysore a cultural hub in Karnataka.
• The cultural contributions of the Wodeyars are evident in the grand palaces, temples, and art galleries that adorn the city of Mysore.
• They promoted classical music forms like Carnatic music and encouraged the growth of traditional dance forms like Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam.
• Festivals like Dasara, celebrated with great pomp and grandeur, became a symbol of Mysore’s rich cultural heritage under the Wodeyar patronage.
• The dynasty’s emphasis on education and literature led to the establishment of libraries, research institutions, and centers of higher learning, making Mysore a center of intellectual pursuit.

Relations with neighboring kingdoms and the British

• The Wadiyars initially served the Vijayanagara Empire as poleygars, defending regions around Mysore.
• Between 1766 and 1799, during the reigns of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, the Wadiyar rulers were largely nominal, with limited power.
• After Tipu Sultan’s execution in 1799, the British Crown restored the kingdom to the Wadiyars under a subsidiary alliance.
• Following India’s independence, Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar integrated the kingdom into the newly formed Dominion of India.
• The dynasty’s relations with the British were marked by periods of alliance, subjugation, and eventual cooperation, especially during the colonial era.

Alamelamma’s Curse

• A significant legend associated with the dynasty is the curse of Alamelamma. When Raja Wadiyar took over the fort of Srirangapattana, Alamelamma, a widow and devotee of the deity Ranganayaki, cursed the Wadiyars before plunging to her death in the Kaveri river. The curse was believed to affect the Wadiyars’ lineage and the towns of Talakadu and Malangi. To this day, Talakadu remains buried under sand, and Malangi faces erosion due to whirlpools.

III. Rise of Hyder Ali

Early life and military career of Hyder Ali

• Hyder Ali was born around 1720 in Budikote, a small town in present-day Karnataka, India.
• He hailed from a military family, with his father, Fath Muhammad, serving as a commander of 50 men in the Mysorean army.
• Hyder Ali’s formal education was limited, but he was well-versed in military tactics and strategies, which he learned from accompanying his father on campaigns.
• He began his military career as a soldier in the Mysore army and quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skills and leadership qualities.
• By the 1750s, he had become a prominent figure in the Mysorean military, leading his troops to several victories and expanding the kingdom’s territories.
• His rise to power was marked by his ability to consolidate his position, suppress internal rebellions, and expand Mysore’s influence in the region.

His strategies in expanding Mysore’s territories

• Hyder Ali recognized the importance of a strong and modernized army. He undertook significant military reforms, introducing advanced weaponry and training methods.
• He established a centralized system of administration, ensuring efficient governance and resource allocation for military campaigns.
• One of his notable strategies was the use of rocket artillery, which was a significant advancement in warfare during that period. This gave Mysore a distinct advantage over its adversaries.
• He frequently employed guerrilla warfare tactics, taking advantage of the region’s terrain to ambush and outmaneuver enemy forces.
• Hyder Ali also focused on forming alliances with neighboring states and rulers, ensuring that Mysore had a network of allies to counter any external threats.
• His campaigns in Malabar, Coorg, and the Deccan region resulted in significant territorial gains for Mysore, making it one of the dominant powers in southern India.

Diplomatic relations and conflicts with the British

• Hyder Ali’s reign coincided with the period when the British East India Company was expanding its influence in India. This inevitably led to conflicts between Mysore and the British.
• In the early stages of his rule, Hyder Ali maintained a cautious approach towards the British, recognizing their growing power in the region.
• However, as the British continued to encroach upon Mysorean territories, tensions escalated, leading to a series of wars known as the Anglo-Mysore Wars.
• The first of these wars began in 1767 when the British allied with the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad to curb Mysore’s expansion. Despite facing a coalition of powerful adversaries, Hyder Ali managed to hold his ground and even forced the British to seek peace in 1769.
• The subsequent wars saw Hyder Ali and later his son, Tipu Sultan, employ innovative military strategies and tactics against the British. These wars were characterized by shifting alliances, with various Indian states either supporting or opposing Mysore based on their interests.
• While Hyder Ali managed to achieve several victories against the British, the continuous warfare took a toll on Mysore’s resources and stability. Nevertheless, his resistance against British expansion remains a significant chapter in the history of India’s struggle against colonialism.

IV. Tipu Sultan: The Tiger of Mysore

Early Life and Education of Tipu Sultan

• Birth and Early Years: Tipu Sultan, also known as Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu, was born on 1 December 1751 in Devanahalli, present-day Karnataka. He was named after the saint Tipu Mastan Aulia of Arcot.
• Family Background: His father, Hyder Ali, was a prominent military officer and the de facto ruler of Mysore. His mother, Fatima Fakhr-un-Nisa, was the daughter of the governor of the fort of Kadapa.
• Education: Tipu’s education was comprehensive. He learned languages like Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Kannada, and beary. He was also taught the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, and skills like riding, shooting, and fencing. His mother tongue was Urdu.
• Early Military Exposure: From the age of 17, Tipu was entrusted with significant diplomatic and military missions. He played a crucial role in the wars that made Hyder Ali the dominant ruler of southern India.

Military Innovations and Strategies

• Rocket Artillery: Tipu Sultan was a pioneer in the field of rocket artillery. He expanded the iron-cased Mysorean rockets and even commissioned a military manual named Fathul Mujahidin. These rockets were used against British forces and their allies during the Anglo-Mysore Wars.
• Military Training: Tipu was trained in military tactics by French officers. By age 15, he had already participated in the First Mysore War against the British. He showcased his military prowess in various battles, including the Battle of Pollilur and the Siege of Srirangapatna.
• Strategies against British: Tipu Sultan was always wary of the British threat in India. He strategically aligned with the Marathas and the Mughals to counter the advances of the British. His military strategies were a blend of traditional warfare and innovative techniques.

Diplomatic Endeavors with Foreign Powers against the British

• Alliance with the French: Tipu Sultan and his father sought the assistance of the French in their struggle against the British. They used their French-trained army to counter British advances.
• Treaties and Negotiations: Tipu Sultan was a skilled diplomat. He negotiated the 1784 Treaty of Mangalore with the British, ending the Second Anglo-Mysore War. He also signed the Treaty of Gajendragad with the Marathas.
• Foreign Relations: Tipu Sultan was proactive in establishing foreign relations. He sent emissaries to states like the Ottoman Empire, Afghanistan, and France to garner opposition against the British.
• Conflict with the British East India Company: Tipu Sultan remained a staunch adversary of the British East India Company. His attack on British-allied Travancore in 1789 sparked significant conflicts. Despite facing defeats, Tipu Sultan’s resilience and determination made him a formidable opponent to the British.

Tipu Sultan’s legacy is a testament to his military genius, innovative strategies, and unwavering determination to resist colonial powers. His contributions to the Kingdom of Mysore and his efforts to challenge the British hegemony have cemented his place in history as a visionary leader and a fierce warrior.

V. The First Anglo-Mysore War – Causes and Key Battles

Background

• Turmoil in Indian Subcontinent: 18th century saw the fracturing of the Mughal Empire post the death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707.
• British and French Involvement: 1740s and 1750s saw increased colonial involvement in local conflicts.
• Third Carnatic War (1757–1763): British established footholds in Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta.
• Nawab of Carnatic: Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah influenced British holdings in Madras.
• Nizam of Hyderabad: Former Mughal viceroyalty, declared independent in 1720s, held by Asaf Jah II in 1760s.
• Sultanate of Mysore: Occupied plains between Eastern and Western Ghats. Hyder Ali, a Muslim military leader, took control in 1761.

Causes of War

• British East India Company’s Ambition: Desired overland connection between Madras and Bengal, aiming for the Northern Circars.
• Nizam’s Rejection: British offered to pay higher rent for Northern Circars, but the Nizam rejected.
• Mughal Emperor’s Decree: Shah Alam II granted the company rights to the territory in August 1765.
• Nizam’s Alliance with Marathas: Concerned about Hyder Ali’s expansionist threat.
• British Occupation of Northern Circars: Nizam objected in March 1766.
• Treaty with the Company: November 1766 treaty allowed the company to receive four of the five circars in exchange for military support or 7 lakh rupees.

Course of the War

• Maratha Invasion: January 1767 saw Marathas invading northern Mysore.
• Alliance Between Nizam and Hyder Ali: Aimed to join against the British.
• Attack on Changama: Combined Mysore-Hyderabad army attacked a company outpost.
• Siege of Ambur: November 1767, British resumed campaigning.
• Nizam’s Withdrawal: 1768 saw a split between Hyder and the Nizam.
• British Expedition to Malabar: Early 1768, targeting Mysore’s coastal territories.
• Hyder’s Rapid March: Towards Madras, forcing the British to negotiate.

Battles

• Battle of Chengam: 3 September 1767
• Battle of Tiruvannamalai: 25 September 1767
• Siege of Ambur: November–December 1767
• Battle of Ooscota: Night of 22/23 August 1768
• Battle of Mulwagul: 4 October 1768
• Battle of Baugloor: 22–23 November 1768

Consequences

• Hyder Ali’s Actions Post Treaty: Engaged in war with Marathas in 1770, seeking British support.
• British Refusal: Led to conflicts with Marathas in the 1770s.
• Second Anglo-Mysore War: Began in 1780, devastating much of the Carnatic.
• Resolution: 1799 saw the defeat and death of Tipu Sultan, Hyder’s son, restoring the Wodeyars as British clients.

VI. The Second Anglo-Mysore War

Prelude to the war

• Conflict between Mysore and British East India Company: Spanned from 1780 to 1784.
• Mysore’s alliance with France: Mysore was a significant French ally in India.
• Influence of the American Revolutionary War: The conflict between Britain, the French, and the Dutch in the American Revolutionary War impacted Anglo-Mysorean hostilities.
• British seizure of the French port of Mahé (1779): This act by the British led Mysorean ruler Hyder Ali to initiate hostilities against the British in 1780.
• Hyder Ali’s motivations: Felt betrayed by the British during a previous war against the Marathas and sought revenge through a French alliance.
• British East India Company’s strategy: Aimed to eliminate French influence in India by capturing French territories, starting with Pondicherry in 1778 and then Mahé in 1779.
• Strategic importance of Mahé: Hyder Ali received French-supplied arms and munitions through this port.

Major confrontations and strategies employed

• Hyder Ali’s invasion of the Carnatic (1780): With an army of 80,000, he descended through the Eastern Ghats, laying siege to British forts in northern Arcot.
• Battle of Pollilur: Hyder Ali’s forces, including his son Tipu Sultan, effectively used Mysorean rockets against the British.
• British response: Sent a force of 5,000 to lift the sieges.
• Tipu Sultan’s interception: He intercepted a British force from Guntur, leading to the British force’s heavy defeat near Pollilur.
• British retreat to Madras: Following their defeat, the British retreated, abandoning their baggage and cannons.
• Hyder Ali’s siege at Arcot: Instead of pressing for a decisive victory at Madras, Hyder Ali focused on capturing Arcot, which he achieved in November 1780.
• British reinforcements: The British sent reinforcements under Sir Eyre Coote to Madras.
• Battles of Porto Novo and Sholinghur: British forces, led by Coote, defeated Hyder Ali in these battles.
• Tipu Sultan’s victories: He defeated Colonel Braithwaite at Annagudi and captured Chittur from the British.
• British capture of Mangalore (March 1783): However, Tipu Sultan later besieged and recaptured the city.

Treaty of Mangalore and its significance

• End of hostilities: The war concluded in 1784 with the signing of the Treaty of Mangalore.
• Terms of the treaty: Both sides agreed to restore each other’s territories to their pre-war status.
• Historical importance: This treaty marked the last time an Indian power dictated terms to the British East India Company.

VII. The Third Anglo-Mysore War

Factors leading to the conflict

• Tipu Sultan’s Background: Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali, had previously engaged in two wars with the British East India Company.
• First Anglo-Mysore War: Occurred in the 1760s, ended inconclusively with mutual assistance provisions for future conflicts.
• British Actions: The British failed to support Mysore in its conflicts with the Maratha Empire, leading to Hyder Ali’s growing animosity towards them.
• Capture of Mahé: The British took the French-controlled port of Mahé in 1779, which Tipu Sultan used for military supplies. This led to the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
• 1784 Treaty of Mangalore: Restored the status quo but was seen as unfavorable for the British East India Company.
• Tipu’s Intentions: After the treaty, Tipu maintained a strong animosity towards the British and intended to continue the battle.
• British Movements: British General Charles Cornwallis became the Governor-General of India in 1786 and sought to gain support against Mysore.

Key battles and strategies

• Tipu’s Advance: In 1789, Tipu sent forces to the Malabar Coast to suppress a rebellion. He also prepared for an assault on Travancore.
• British Response: Cornwallis warned that an attack on Travancore would be considered a declaration of war.
• Early Campaigns: Tipu attacked the Nedumkotta defense line in Travancore in 1789 but faced resistance.
• British Counter: Cornwallis took command and planned operations against Tipu. He aimed to capture Bangalore as a base for future operations.
• Siege of Bangalore: After a six-week siege, the British successfully stormed Bangalore.
• Tipu’s Counterattack: Tipu launched a counterattack, leading to several skirmishes. However, the British managed to repel his advances.
• Allied Advances: The Maratha army and British forces made significant progress in Mysore’s northern territories.
• Second Advance on Seringapatam: Cornwallis aimed to secure his supply lines to Madras and laid siege to several Mysorean strongholds.

Treaty of Seringapatam and its impact on Mysore’s sovereignty

• British Control: The British managed to take control of the Malabar Coast in 1790.
• Nawab of Savanur: Territories associated with the Nawab of Savanur were lost to the Maratha Confederacy, causing mistrust between the English and the Marathas.
• Cornwallis’ Strategy: After retreating to Bangalore, Cornwallis focused on securing his supply lines and strengthening his forces.
• Tipu’s Actions: Tipu Sultan’s actions during the war, including his treatment of Hindus and Christians, have been a subject of controversy. Some argue that his actions were politically motivated, while others view them as religiously intolerant.
• End of the War: The war culminated with the British and their allies making significant territorial gains, weakening Mysore’s sovereignty.

VIII. The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War

The final confrontation between Tipu Sultan and the British

• The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War was a conflict in South India between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company along with the Hyderabad Deccan from 1798 to 1799.
• This war marked the culmination of the four Anglo-Mysore Wars.
• The British managed to capture the capital of Mysore.
• Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, was killed during the battle.
• The British took indirect control of Mysore, restoring the Wadiyar dynasty to the throne but with a British commissioner to advise on all matters.
• Tipu Sultan’s young heir, Fateh Ali, was sent into exile.
• Mysore became a princely state in a subsidiary alliance with British India.

Key battles and the fall of Seringapatam

• Three armies, one from Bombay and two British, marched into Mysore in 1799 and besieged the capital, Srirangapatnam.
• Colonel Arthur Wellesley, the future 1st Duke of Wellington, was among the British commanders.
• Tipu Sultan employed mass attacks with iron-cased rocket brigades, which had a significant impact on the British.
• The rockets used during the war had a range of about 1,000 yards and were capable of causing significant damage.
• The British attack on Seringapatam on 2 May 1799 saw a British shot hit a magazine of rockets within Tipu Sultan’s fort, causing a massive explosion.
• On 4 May, the fort was taken by the British, marking the end of the war.

Death of Tipu Sultan and its aftermath

• Tipu Sultan’s death marked a significant turning point in the history of India.
• The British General George Harris proclaimed, “now India is ours” after Tipu’s death.
• The victors restored control of Mysore to the Wadiyars instead of partitioning the country.
• The Nawab of Carnatic, Umdat ul-Umara, was believed to have secretly assisted Tipu Sultan during the war. As a result, he faced deposition after the conflict.
• The territory of the Nawab of Savanur was divided between the English and Maratha forces.
• The place where Tipu’s body was found has been marked and preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

IX. British Administration in Mysore

Transition from Tipu Sultan’s rule to British administration

• Tipu Sultan’s demise in 1799 marked a significant turning point in the history of Mysore. With his death during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the British East India Company established control over the region.
• The British reinstated the Wodeyar dynasty to the throne, but with diminished powers. The real authority was vested in a British representative, known as the Resident.
• Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was the titular ruler, but the actual administration was overseen by the British Resident, ensuring that the policies and governance aligned with British interests.

Changes in governance, administration, and policies

• The British introduced a centralized system of administration, replacing the decentralized system that existed under Tipu Sultan.
• Land revenue policies underwent significant changes. The British introduced the Ryotwari system, where the government dealt directly with the individual cultivator, bypassing intermediaries.
• Judicial reforms were implemented. The British established a hierarchy of courts, and English law principles were introduced, replacing many of the traditional legal systems.
• Infrastructure development became a priority. Roads, railways, and telegraph lines were constructed, connecting Mysore to other parts of British India.
• Education reforms were introduced. English became the medium of instruction in many schools and colleges, and western education models were adopted.
• The British encouraged agricultural and industrial growth. They promoted the cultivation of cash crops like coffee and silk, leading to the establishment of the Mysore silk industry.

Impact on the socio-cultural fabric of Mysore

• The British rule brought about a cultural amalgamation. Western ideas, lifestyles, and values began to influence the traditional Mysorean culture.
• English education led to the emergence of a new class of educated elites in Mysore. This class played a significant role in the socio-political movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.
• The introduction of Christian missionaries led to the establishment of many schools, colleges, and hospitals. While they contributed to the educational and health sectors, they also influenced religious conversions in the region.
• Art and architecture saw a blend of traditional Mysorean styles with British influences. This period witnessed the construction of several iconic buildings, blending indigenous and colonial architectural elements.
• The British administration’s policies and reforms led to a shift in the economic landscape. While some sectors flourished, others, especially traditional crafts, faced challenges due to the influx of British goods.
• The social hierarchy underwent changes. The British policies often favored certain communities, leading to shifts in social dynamics and power structures.

X. Restoration of the Wodeyar Dynasty

British Decision to Restore the Wodeyar Dynasty

• After the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the British faced the challenge of establishing a stable administration in Mysore.
• The British East India Company decided to reinstate the Wodeyar Dynasty, which had been overthrown by Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan’s father.
• The decision was influenced by the need to legitimize their rule and ensure a friendly administration in Mysore.
• Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was installed as the ruler of Mysore in 1799.
• The British believed that restoring the Wodeyars would help in pacifying the local population and ensuring a smoother transition of power.

Role of the Wodeyars Under British Suzerainty

• The Wodeyars, once the sovereign rulers of Mysore, now ruled under the suzerainty of the British.
• Krishnaraja Wodeyar III had limited powers, with a British Resident overseeing the administration.
• The Wodeyars were symbolic rulers, representing the cultural and historical continuity of Mysore.
• They played a crucial role in maintaining peace and order in the region, acting as intermediaries between the British and the local population.
• The dynasty continued to patronize arts, culture, and education, ensuring the preservation of Mysore’s rich heritage.

Modernization and Reforms in Mysore

• Under British suzerainty, Mysore witnessed significant modernization and reforms.
• Infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and irrigation projects, was prioritized.
• Chamarajendra Wodeyar X, who ascended the throne in 1868, was particularly instrumental in bringing about reforms.
• He established the Mysore Legislative Council in 1881, one of the earliest forms of representative governance in India.
• The education sector saw a boost with the establishment of schools, colleges, and institutions.
• Efforts were made to promote industries, leading to the establishment of industries like the Mysore Sandal Soap Factory.
• Social reforms, including the abolition of certain regressive practices and the promotion of women’s education, were initiated.
• The reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV (1894-1940) further accelerated the pace of reforms. He is credited with transforming Mysore into a model princely state.
• The establishment of the University of Mysore in 1916 was a significant milestone in the field of higher education.
• Mysore became one of the most progressive and developed princely states in India under the guidance of the Wodeyars and the British administration.

XI. Conclusion

Overall Impact of the Anglo-Mysore Wars on the Indian Subcontinent

• The Anglo-Mysore Wars spanned the last three decades of the 18th century, involving the Sultanate of Mysore and the British East India Company.
• These wars were fought on multiple fronts, with the British attacking from the west, south, and east, and the Nizam’s forces from the north.
• The culmination of the wars saw the overthrow of the house of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, with the latter being killed in the fourth war in 1799.
• The British East India Company gained control over much of the Indian subcontinent as a result of these wars.
• The Anglo-Mysore Wars, along with the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1767 – 1799) and the Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1849), solidified the British dominion over South Asia, leading to the establishment of the British Empire in India.

Legacy of the Wodeyar Dynasty, Hyder Ali, and Tipu Sultan in Modern Indian History

• The Wodeyar Dynasty, which had ruled Mysore for centuries, was restored to power after the fall of Tipu Sultan. They continued to rule the remnant Kingdom of Mysore until 1947, when it joined the Dominion of India.
• Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan are remembered for their valiant resistance against British colonization. Their military strategies, especially the use of advanced Mysorean rockets, were notable.
• Tipu Sultan’s rockets, which were more advanced than any the British had seen due to the use of iron tubes for holding the propellant, influenced British rocket development and inspired the Congreve rocket used in the Napoleonic Wars.
• The Wodeyar Dynasty, Hyder Ali, and Tipu Sultan have left an indelible mark on Indian history, representing a period of resistance, cultural richness, and administrative prowess in the face of foreign invasion.

Table Charts

Comparing the strategies employed by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars

Aspect	Hyder Ali	Tipu Sultan
Military Innovations	Introduced the use of quick-moving cavalry and light infantry, which allowed for rapid strikes.	Advanced the use of Mysorean rockets, which were more sophisticated due to the use of iron tubes for holding the propellant.
Diplomacy	Formed alliances with regional powers, including the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad, to counter the British.	Sought foreign alliances, notably with the French, and sent embassies to the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and Afghanistan to gather support against the British.
Fortifications	Strengthened the fortifications of Mysore, making it a formidable stronghold against British sieges.	Further fortified key regions, including the capital Seringapatam, with advanced defense mechanisms.
Economic Strategies	Focused on expanding territories to gain economic advantages and resources.	Introduced new coinage, trade policies, and sought to reduce European influence in Mysore’s economic affairs.
Naval Strategies	Recognized the importance of a naval force but had limited naval capabilities.	Established a navy and dockyards, realizing the importance of maritime power in countering British naval dominance.
Intelligence and Espionage	Employed a network of spies to gather information about British movements and plans.	Expanded and refined the intelligence network, using spies not only in India but also in British territories abroad.

Differences in treaties signed after each of the Anglo-Mysore Wars

War	Treaty	Key Provisions
First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-1769)	Treaty of Madras (1769)	– Status quo ante bellum (return to pre-war conditions). – Both parties agreed to mutual restitution of each other’s territories. – Mutual defense pact: If either party was attacked by a third party, the other would come to its aid.
Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784)	Treaty of Mangalore (1784)	– Mutual restitution of territories. – British recognized Tipu Sultan as the legitimate ruler of Mysore. – Prisoners of war to be exchanged.
Third Anglo-Mysore War (1789-1792)	Treaty of Seringapatam (1792)	– Tipu Sultan ceded half of his territories to the British and their allies. – Mysore paid a large indemnity of 3.6 million rupees to the British. – Two of Tipu’s sons were taken as hostages to ensure payment.
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1798-1799)	No formal treaty	– Tipu Sultan was killed in the war. – Mysore was divided between the British and their allies. – The Wodeyar Dynasty was restored to the throne of Mysore, but under British suzerainty.

Comparing the governance under the Wodeyar Dynasty, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and the British

Aspect	Wodeyar Dynasty	Hyder Ali	Tipu Sultan	British
Administrative Structure	Traditional hierarchical system with local chieftains and nobles.	Centralized administration with a focus on military expansion.	Further centralized governance with appointed officials in key positions.	Introduced a bureaucratic system with British officials at key posts and Indian subordinates.
Economic Policies	Patronized local crafts, trade, and agriculture.	Introduced land revenue reforms and promoted trade.	Modernized agriculture, introduced new industries, and reduced European influence in trade.	Introduced land revenue systems like Ryotwari, promoted cash crops, and integrated Mysore’s economy with global markets.
Military Innovations	Maintained traditional armies with infantry, cavalry, and elephants.	Introduced quick-moving cavalry and light infantry.	Advanced the use of Mysorean rockets and established a navy.	Modernized the army with European tactics, artillery, and established cantonments.
Cultural Policies	Patronized arts, music, and literature, fostering Mysore’s cultural heritage.	Continued patronage of arts and culture, with a focus on Islamic art forms.	Promoted a blend of Persian and local art forms, and introduced a new calendar and coinage.	Encouraged English education, introduced Western art forms, but also documented and studied Indian traditions.
Religious Policies	Promoted religious tolerance and patronized Hindu temples and institutions.	While Muslim, showed religious tolerance and made endowments to Hindu temples.	Known for his state-driven approach to religion, but also made donations to Hindu temples.	Generally maintained a policy of religious neutrality, but Christian missionaries became active under their rule.
Legal and Judicial Systems	Traditional legal system based on local customs and Dharmashastra.	Introduced reforms in the legal system, with a mix of traditional and Islamic law.	Continued the blend of traditional and Islamic law with an emphasis on justice.	Introduced English law principles, established a hierarchy of courts, and codified laws.

1. Analyze the significance of Tipu Sultan’s military innovations and diplomatic endeavors in resisting British colonization during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. (250 words)
2. Discuss the implications of the treaties of Madras, Mangalore, and Seringapatam on the political and territorial dynamics of Mysore. How did these treaties shape the course of the Anglo-Mysore Wars? (250 words)
3. Examine the transition from Tipu Sultan’s rule to British administration in Mysore. How did the changes in governance, administration, and policies impact the socio-cultural fabric of the region? (250 words)