Tipu Sultan Legacy

Sandeep Balakrishna

Celebrated Autoor, Sandeep Balakrishna in his book “Tipu Sultan: The Tyrant of Mysore,” has presented a decided perspective of the 18th-century ruler of Mysore. Balakrishna portrays Tipu Sultan not as a heroic freedom fighter or a secular ruler, but as a tyrant whose reign was marked by religious persecution and oppressive governance.

Here are some key aspects of Balakrishna’s viewpoint:

Religious Intolerance:

Balakrishna argues that Tipu Sultan was intolerant towards Hindus and Christians. He cites instances of forced conversions to Islam, destruction of temples and churches, and imposition of religious taxes on non-Muslims as evidence of Tipu’s religious bigotry.

Brutality in Warfare and Governance:

The book details various military campaigns led by Tipu Sultan, portraying them as brutal and oppressive. Balakrishna describes how these campaigns were often accompanied by violence against civilians, looting, and destruction of property, painting a picture of a ruler who was ruthless in his pursuit of power.

Revisionist Historical Perspective:

Balakrishna’s work is part of a broader revisionist movement in historical writing. He challenges the glorification of Tipu Sultan in Indian history, arguing that such portrayals overlook or deliberately ignore the more controversial and oppressive aspects of his rule.

Political Usage of History:

Balakrishna also addresses the contemporary political usage of historical figures like Tipu Sultan in India. He criticizes what he sees as attempts to whitewash historical figures for political gains, calling for a more balanced and nuanced understanding of history that acknowledges its complexities.

Use of Historical Sources:

To support his arguments, Balakrishna relies on a variety of historical sources, including Tipu Sultan’s own letters, accounts of British officers, and records of contemporaries. He uses these sources to build a case against the more favorable views of Tipu Sultan’s administration and policies.

Arun Shourie

Flight and Atrocities in Malabar

Sankunni Menon, a renowned historian, provides a vivid account of the large-scale migration and atrocities committed by Tipu Sultan in the Malabar region. He observes the merciless Jihad against Hindus, leading to massive migration from Malabar, particularly among the richer Hindus, including Nairs, Brahmins, and landowners, who sought refuge in Travancore. This mass exodus was a direct result of Tipu Sultan’s reign of terror.

Testimonies of Historians

Menon corroborates his observations with testimonies from other historians like James Innes, Hamilton-Buchanan, and KP Padmanabha Menon, highlighting the brutal pursuit of fleeing Hindus by Tipu’s troops, the devastation in Malabar, and the plight of the refugees.

Devastation and Impact

Menon notes that the Malabar region, under Tipu’s regime, witnessed a state bordering on anarchy, with trade coming to a standstill and severe depopulation due to persecution. He echoes the observations of other historians like KM Panikkar, pointing out that Malabar was depopulated and turned into a wilderness under Tipu Sultan, affecting not just his enemies but common people as well​​.

Religious Persecution

Menon emphasizes the religious aspect of Tipu Sultan’s reign, indicating the Sultan’s actions were not merely against his political enemies but also targeted the religious practices of Hindus, leading to mass conversions and destruction of temples. This perspective is supported by the accounts of other contemporary observers and historians​​​​.

Conclusions