Home > Indian History > History of India > Fourth Mysore War
Fourth Mysore War
Fourth Mysore War witnessed the complete crushing of Tipu Sultan in the hands of the relentless British.

Share this Article:

Fourth Mysore War, 1799, British IndiaThe Fourth Mysore War originated in the deepening relationship of Mysore`s Tipu Sultan and the French, as illustrated by the French landing of about 100 French troops at Mangalore in 1798. Likewise, the interception of French letters to Tipu suggested that French forces were coming to assist him. In consequence, the British launched a three-month campaign which embraced the use of two forces. General George Harris (1746-1829) commanded one force from Vellore and Colonel James Stuart (1741-1815) led the other from Cannanore.

Napoleon`s landing in Egypt in 1798 was intended to intimidate India. Mysore was a key to that next step, as the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, was a steadfast ally of the French. Although Napoleon`s ambitions were crushed at the Battle of the Nile, yet three armies, one from Bombay and two British (one of which comprised a division that was commanded by Colonel Arthur Wellesley), nonetheless marched into Mysore in 1799. There, the force besieged the capital, Seringapatam (present day Srirangapatnam, Karnataka), after some engagements with the Tipu Sultan`s armies.

On 6th March 1799, Tipu Sultan unsuccessfully attacked Stuart in Sedaseer, losing 1500 men in the process. Tipu failed again on 27 March at Malavelly when he engaged Harris` force and lost 700 men. On 4th May, following Tipu`s rejection of surrender terms, the British, led by General Baird, stormed and captured the fortress at Seringapatam (Srirangapatnam). The British suffered about 1500 killed, wounded and missing and the Mysorians had about 8,000 killed. The list included Tipu Sultan himself.

Tipu Sultan was betrayed in the Fourth Mysore War by one of his commanders, Mir Sadiq, a double-crosser who was bribed by the British. Sadiq had sent the army to collect wages at the height of the battle. This move thus paved way for the British to seize a chance to enter through the hole made through bombardment of the wall. It is also known that Sadiq had sprinkled water in the basement where the ammunition was stored, making the ammunition unusable.

This war brought down the curtains on the all four Mysore Wars. The British acquired indirect control of Mysore, reestablishing the Wodeyar dynasty to the Mysore throne. Tipu`s young heir, Fateh Ali, was sent into exile. The Kingdom of Mysore became a princely state of British India and relinquished Coimbatore, North Kanara and Souht Kanara to the British.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.