The Anglo-Mysore war was a series of significant conflicts between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company. These wars shaped the power dynamics in southern India and had a profound impact on British control over the subcontinent. The Anglo-Mysore war series consisted of four major wars that spanned over three decades. Each war had its causes, battles, and outcomes, but they collectively weakened Mysore’s sovereignty and strengthened British rule in India.
- 1st Anglo Mysore war: Aimed to establish British dominance in southern India.
- 2nd Anglo Mysore war: A continuation of territorial conflicts.
- 3rd Anglo-Mysore war: Marked the decline of Mysore’s military power.
- 4th Anglo Mysore war: The final blow to the kingdom, leading to its downfall.
| GS Paper | GS Paper I, GS Paper III |
| Topics for UPSC Prelims | Agricultural economy during the Anglo-Mysore War, Impact on taxation and revenue collection in Mysore |
| Topics for UPSC Mains | Role of the Anglo-Mysore War in shaping colonial economy, Economic reforms and policies under Tipu Sultan |
1st Anglo Mysore War (1767-1769)
The 1st Anglo Mysore war began in 1767 as a result of escalating tensions between Mysore, led by Hyder Ali, and the British. Hyder Ali formed alliances with the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas to counter British expansion. The British, in turn, allied with local rulers who opposed Hyder Ali’s growing influence.
Background of War
The 1st Anglo-Mysore war began in 1767, sparked by the rising tensions between the British East India Company and Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore. Hyder Ali was known for his tactical brilliance and had rapidly expanded Mysore’s territory. His growing influence alarmed the British, who saw him as a threat to their dominance in southern India.
Hyder Ali formed alliances with other local rulers, such as the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas, which further concerned the British. The conflict was also fueled by a desire for control over rich resources and strategic trade routes. Both sides sought dominance, making the war inevitable.
Course of War
- Hyder Ali outmaneuvered British forces with his strategic brilliance.
- The British, allied with the Marathas and the Nizam, faced unexpected challenges.
- Several important battles took place across southern India.
- The war caused significant losses on both sides, leading to a temporary stalemate.
- The Treaty of Madras was signed in 1769, ending the 1st Anglo-Mysore war with an uneasy peace.
2nd Anglo Mysore War (1780-1784)
The 2nd Anglo Mysore war was one of the most intense conflicts between Tipu Sultan and the British East India Company. It followed the growing animosity between both sides and Tipu’s alliance with the French. The war was fought with considerable strategy, tactics, and sheer determination from both sides.
Background of War
The 2nd Anglo-Mysore war was not just a local conflict; it was part of a larger geopolitical struggle. Mysore’s alliance with the French worried the British. The French, who were rivals of Britain in Europe and India, provided military and logistical support to Mysore. At the same time, Tipu Sultan, following his father Hyder Ali’s footsteps, sought to protect Mysore from British dominance. The British, in turn, allied with the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad, hoping to weaken Tipu’s hold on southern India. This led to a direct confrontation between the British and Mysore. The stakes were high, as both sides knew that control over southern India could shift the balance of power in the subcontinent.
Course of War
- Tipu Sultan launched several successful campaigns, disrupting British forces.
- The British, allied with the Marathas and Nizam, attempted multiple offensives.
- The French provided support to Tipu, complicating British military efforts.
- The war saw heavy casualties on both sides, with Mysore fiercely defending its territory.
- The war ended with the Treaty of Mangalore, restoring territories to their pre-war status.
3rd Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792)
The 3rd Anglo-Mysore war was a pivotal conflict that weakened the Kingdom of Mysore significantly. This war was driven by Tipu Sultan’s efforts to resist British dominance, despite previous setbacks in the earlier wars. The war saw fierce battles and strategic alliances, eventually leading to the Treaty of Seringapatam, which greatly reduced Mysore’s territory.
Background of War
The 3rd Anglo-Mysore war was primarily sparked by Tipu Sultan’s ambition to regain territories lost in earlier conflicts and his strong alliance with France. The French were natural allies for Tipu Sultan, as they were also opposing British interests globally. Moreover, Tipu Sultan aimed to expand his control over neighboring regions, which made him a significant threat to the British East India Company.
On the other side, the British had grown increasingly wary of Mysore’s military strength and diplomatic ties with European powers. The Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad, both long-time adversaries of Mysore, allied with the British to weaken Tipu Sultan’s position.
Course of War
- Tipu Sultan launched several aggressive campaigns against British-controlled territories.
- The British, along with Maratha and Nizam forces, attacked Mysore from multiple fronts.
- Major battles were fought at Coimbatore and Travancore, testing the strength of both sides.
- The war ended with the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792, where Tipu Sultan ceded half of his kingdom.
- The defeat severely weakened Mysore’s power, reducing its ability to challenge the British in future conflicts.
4th Anglo Mysore War (1799)
The 4th Anglo Mysore war was the final and decisive conflict between Tipu Sultan and the British East India Company. This war culminated in the complete annexation of the Kingdom of Mysore, ending Tipu Sultan’s reign and marking a turning point in British expansion in India. The war took place in 1799 and was fought over control, power, and strategic dominance in southern India.
Tipu Sultan, known for his bravery and tactical warfare, was determined to resist British rule despite facing overwhelming forces. However, the British, along with their allies—the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas—launched a coordinated and well-prepared offensive. This war marked the end of the war series, which significantly altered the balance of power in India.
Background of War
The 4th Anglo-Mysore war had its roots in the earlier wars between Mysore and the British East India Company. Tipu Sultan’s refusal to submit to British dominance, along with his strong alliances with the French, led to rising tensions. After the 3rd war, where Mysore lost a large portion of its territory, Tipu Sultan began rebuilding his forces, hoping to reclaim his lost lands.
The British, however, were determined to eliminate Mysore’s threat once and for all. With the support of their Indian allies, the British had the military advantage, which led to the decision to launch the final campaign against Tipu Sultan in 1799. The 4th Anglo Mysore war was not just a battle for territorial gains but also a struggle for political supremacy in southern India.
Course of War
- The British forces surrounded Seringapatam, the capital of Mysore.
- Tipu Sultan resisted fiercely but lacked the necessary resources.
- The siege lasted several weeks, with intense fighting on both sides.
- Tipu Sultan died during the final assault, marking the end of the war.
- The British annexed Mysore, bringing an end to the kingdom’s independence.
Conclusion
The Anglo Mysore war series had far-reaching consequences for both Mysore and the British East India Company. These wars demonstrated the determination of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan to resist British colonialism, but ultimately, the superior resources and alliances of the British led to their success. Mysore’s defeat in the 4th war marked the end of an era of powerful regional kingdoms in southern India. The British, now firmly in control, further expanded their influence across the subcontinent. The legacy of the war continues to be remembered as a significant chapter in India’s colonial history.
