Tipu Sultan, also known as Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu, was one of the most valiant and visionary rulers in Indian history. Born on November 20, 1751, in Devanahalli (near present-day Bangalore), he was the eldest son of Sultan Hyder Ali, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Tipu inherited his father’s throne in 1782 and continued his fierce resistance against British colonial expansion in South India.
Known as the “Tiger of Mysore”, Tipu Sultan was admired for his bravery, military innovation, and strategic acumen. He modernized his army by introducing European-style weapons and war tactics, and was one of the first Indian rulers to use rockets in warfare. His leadership during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, especially his resistance in the Third and Fourth Anglo-Mysore Wars, made him a symbol of anti-colonial struggle.
Tipu was not only a fearless warrior but also a capable administrator. He reformed the economy, promoted agriculture, improved irrigation systems, and introduced a new coinage system. He was also a patron of science and technology and maintained diplomatic relations with foreign powers like France, the Ottoman Empire, and Afghanistan in a bid to counter British influence.
Tipu Sultan died heroically on May 4, 1799, during the siege of Srirangapatna by British forces. Even his enemies admired his courage; Lord Wellesley, the British Governor-General, called him “a formidable enemy” who died “like a soldier.”
Today, Tipu Sultan is remembered as a national hero and a symbol of resistance against British imperialism. His legacy continues to inspire those who value freedom, dignity, and self-rule.