Bamcef International Network, Delhi (2026)

06/05/2026

Shahu Maharaj: King of Common People

Shahu Maharaj refused to join Congress

Shahu Maharaj never joined Congress. Shahu Maharaj carried forward Truth Seekers’ Movement of Mahatma Phule. Gokhale met Shahu Maharaj, requested him to support Congress. Prabodhankar Thakre described this incidence. Once, Shahu Maharaj saw Gokhale, who was from Kolhapur, at railway station. Both of them were going to Mumbai. Shahu Maharaj called Gokhale to his compartment. In course of discussion, Gokhale said, “You speak too much against Congress. You say that Mulnivasi Bahujan people should not join Congress as there are Brahmins in it. Mulnivasi Bahujan society is vast, they should join Congress.”

While refusing to join Congress, Shahu Maharaj said, our Mulnivasi Bahujan society is ignorant. Shahu Maharaj never supported Congress, never allowed Mulnivasi Bahujan society to join Congress. Shahu Maharaj was running movement to liberate Mulnivasi Bahujan society from slavery of Brahmins.

In his letter to Alfred Pitz, Shahu Maharaj says, on one hand Brahmins call themselves democratic, on other hand they also say that British should not work for welfare of Backward Castes. Mulnivasi Bahujan people in India unanimously think that objective of Swaraj of Brahmins is to reestablish rule of Peshwa Brahmins. Due to this method of governance of British, Mulnivasi Bahujan people would not be liberated, equality would not be established.

Both Shahu Maharaj and Babasaheb Ambedkar were fighting for emancipation of Mulnivasi Bahujan people. Significantly, Shahu Maharaj sent Babasaheb Ambedkar to England in centenary year of battle of Bhima-Koregaon. In that letter, Shahu Maharaj had specifically mentioned caste of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Shahu Maharaj wanted to remind Alfred Pitz that Dr. Ambedkar belonged to caste that defeated Peshwa Brahmins on 1st January 1818.

Shahu Maharaj was annoyed as Peshwas insulted Shivaji Maharaj, Untouchables. In his speech in Nashik, Shahu Maharaj described how Brahmins persecuted family of Shivaji Maharaj, how they established rule of Peshwa Brahmins and how they treated Untouchables in their rule. He further says, casteism intensified, Untouchables were forced to wear earthen pot in neck, broom around their waist.

Shahu Maharaj, with support of Raosaheb Bole, created an organization of workers in November 1916 in Mumbai. Dr. T. M. Nair was struggling for separate electorates for OBC, SC, ST. Shahu Maharaj was supporting them.

Meaning of Swaraj according to Tilak

We are told Tilak said, “Swaraj is my birth right and I ought to obtain it.” But Brahmins do not tell that Tilak had also said, “Do Telis, Tambolis, and Kunbhats want to go to Parliament for ploughing?” This indicates there was no place for OBC, SC, ST in Swaraj of Tilak. Tilak would say, “Swaraj did not mean that British people should go to England. They need not go to England. They could stay here in India only. Only thing was that they should give more representation to Brahmins in government, administration. Swaraj of Tilak was nothing but rule of Peshwa Brahmins.

Tilak says, “Untouchables should get educated, but even though they get educated, they should not run after services like Brahmins. It is in interest of Untouchables that they should not consider occupations of their forefathers to be humiliating.” On contrary, Shahu Maharaj used to say, “First discrimination should be fought against and then only we should speak about Swaraj.”

Shahu Maharaj opened schools, colleges and hostels for Mulnivasi Bahujan people, also for the higher caste people. He was first King in India to give 50% reservation to Mulnivasi Bahujan people in his state. Today, government schools are being closed in the name of New Education Policy denying right to education to disadvantaged children, whereas Shahu Maharaj insisted on giving free, compulsory education to all.

Bal G. Tilak, father of terrorism in India

With the help of Joshi Brahmin, Tilak started Shivaji Club to torment Shahu Maharaj. Tilak started gathering groups involved in terrorist activities in Kolhapur. When Brahmin takes help of violence or commits sabotage he involves his caste people in such activities, because he is afraid that otherwise his conspiracy would be exposed.

Policy of Shahu Maharaj, brought rule of Peshwa Brahmins to an end. Therefore, Brahmin camp was enraged. Joshi Brahmin was sentenced with six-month imprisonment for unlawful activities. Joshi Brahmin took training from Tilak for making bomb. Brahmins made a plan for countering Shahu Maharaj. Colonel Ferris gave decision in favour of Shahu Maharaj in Vedokt case. Therefore, Tilak was annoyed with Colonel Ferris. Tilak made a plan to kill Colonel Ferris with the help of a terrorist, Kulkarni. But his (Kulkarni’s) revolver missed target in running train. This was how Colonel Ferris escaped.

Though Joshi Joshi Brahmin was involved in terrorist activities, British were not taking action against him, as they were afraid if Brahmins spread anarchy in Kolhapur, British would lose control over Maharashtra. Shahu Maharaj intervened and sentenced Joshi Brahmin with seven years of imprisonment in bomb case and two years of imprisonment in false evidence case. Though Shahu Maharaj was a King, everything was under control of British. For taking any action, Shahu Maharaj needed to take permission from British. Brahmins would make allegation that they were ignored in the Kolhapur administration. Therefore, British appointed some Brahmins in administration. Maharaj was disappointed, but there was no alternative.

Bal G. Tilak, his camp started their evil activities in Kolhapur province of Shahu Maharaj, because Shahu Maharaj introduced system of Talathi instead of system of Kulkarni. Therefore, Brahmins were enraged and they were preparing for 1857-like rebellion against Shahu Maharaj. This information was shared by British officers and the Intelligence Department. But Shahu Maharaj comforted British government saying that situation was under control. In letter to Colonel Herald, Shahu Maharaj says, “You might be thinking that I was informing you about the threat. I was first person in India who raised an alarm about bomb.”

Now, you think that atmosphere in Kolhapur is conducive to taking any action and if terrorists, moderates and Brahmins were in power, they could have done anything. But, as above said, situation is under control. To counter Truth Seekers’ movement of Mahatma Phule, Brahmins created Congress with the help of British officers. Richard Temple had written an independent book on situation of India in the year 1880. In that book he writes, “Brahmin leader, his supporters were openly perpetrating activities against government.”

Book of Bal G. Tilak, ‘Orion or The Arctic Home in Vedas’ attracted attention of foreign people. Tilak was aware that Brahmins were a minority. A minority and foreign Brahmins made pact with foreign countries against the interests of country. Bal G. Tilak convinced British that Brahmins only are real rulers of British India, because Brahmins’ religion holds sway over people of India. Bal G. Tilak gathered terrorist friends at international level. For this secret act, Bal G. Tilak took help of Brahmins only. Tilak’s plan was to bring about an armed rebellion, but interest of Brahmins only. Tilak wanted to establish rule of Peshwa Brahmins that was prevalent in India, before advent of British. Bal G. Tilak openly spoke about that. Bal G. Tilakspoke of Swaraj, but for majority Mulnivasi Bahujan people it was slavery only.

Bal G. Tilak stealthily established relations with a terrorist group in Asia. He secretly met some revolutionaries in Nashik, took stock of their preparations. He symbolically spoke to them about ways of Russians and warned that success or failure depends upon preparation, atmosphere, secrecy. Changes were taking place at international level due to World War I. Tilak established friendly relations with foreign countries. Due to understanding of changes taking place at international level, Shahu Maharaj discerned that threat. He started recruitment in army on a large scale.

Benevolent King

Shahu Maharaj appointed an untouchable as a clerk in the court. After his joining, people in court, from judge to peon, would look at him in a weird manner. A feeling of disgust could be seen in their eyes as if a strange creature entered into their group. Accordingly, they would behave with him disdainfully. They did not allot any work to poor Untouchable. Nobody told him how to perform his work. Nobody even asked about his wellbeing. They would treat him like nonentity. He could not bear sitting lonely without any work. On top of that, they would make fun of him. He was tired of all this. Thought would came to his mind why he should not quit this suffocating job.

He got his first payment. Along with it a notice also was served to him saying, “Your work is not satisfactory, if you do not improve, you will be penalized”. Also, in second month, penalty was deduced from his payment. Judge informed Shahu Maharaj that he does not know how to perform his work at all. Therefore, he is penalized.

Maharaj ordered judge, “Penalty is not way of reform. Training is way of reform. Training should be given to Untouchable clerk. He should be given information about his work. He should be taught how to perform his work”. Judge got annoyed due to stand taken by Maharaj. Next month, judge took further step. His entire payment was withheld. Instead of payment, he got one more notice. Notice said, “Your work is very unsatisfactory. Therefore, payment is withheld.”

Judge informed Maharaj, “Man you sent is stupid, even after our efforts, there is no sign of improvement, he does not know anything. Giving him payment without doing any work is not good, therefore his payment is withheld. I demand that this ineligible person should be fired.” To this Maharaj replied, “This is sign of your incapability that a judge like you is not able to train a clerk having educational qualification like other clerks. For this incapability, your incapability is withheld. If you are not able to train new clerk in his work within a month, it will be considered that you are inefficient beyond reform, and further action will be taken against you.”

Bitter medicine administered by Maharaj worked wonders. Now everybody was trying to talk to new clerk on his own. Judge called him to his chamber. Also, he called senior officers in his chamber. A plan was made. It was warned that there should not be any shortcoming in giving training to new clerk. As soon as clerk would come, judge himself would enquire about work he was taught. New clerk started working properly. He made progress in his studies.
Judge informed Maharaj that progress of new clerk is very satisfactory. Shahu Maharaj visited court office. He investigated whether new clerk can work or not. After confirming it, Maharaj ordered, “You have performed your work satisfactorily. I have seen your efficiency. Meanwhile, there loomed darkness on your efficiency. Take care that this should not happen in future.”

Efforts of Shahu Maharaj for annihilation of caste

Shahu Maharaj gave 50% reservation to SC, ST, OBC in his Kolhapur state, whereas, today, even after 75 years of independence, Brahmins deliberately do not fill vacancies in various government departments, citing lack of merit among SC, ST, OBC. How earnestly Shahu Maharaj implemented policy of adequate representation becomes clear from the example of Untouchable clerk given above.

Due to pro-Mulnivasi Bahujan stand of Shau Maharaj Brahmins used to call him “Dhedon ka Raja” (King of Untouchables; ‘Dhed’ is one of the untouchable castes in north India). Shahu Maharaj did not did not believe in casteism. He firmly believed that a united nation cannot be built unless blood relations are forged among Mulnivasi Bahujan society. According to him, intercaste and inter-faith marriages is the most powerful remedy against the evil of casteism. To him, keeping caste system, Varna system as it is and to expect building a united India was to sow seeds of secessionism, expect reaping harvest of unity.

In All India Depressed Classes Conference in Nagpur Shahu Maharaj said, “This country will achieve progress sooner or later depends upon proportion in which casteism here is abolished. For abolishing casteism, various castes should mingle among themselves i. e., there should be marriages among various castes.” He even enacted a law for encouraging intercaste and interfaith marriages on 30th February 1918 in his Kolhapur state. He even solemnized several such marriages.

Before Montague, Shahu Maharaj stated that if Swaraj is given to neighbouring states, it should also be given to princely states in Hindi heartland, and they should also be given more rights. Shahu Maharaj also raised concern that rulers of princely states should have clarity of rights given to its subjects, and they should be also apprised of how to reap its benefits. To this end, he emphasized on having free, compulsory primary education in India. He was of opinion that if Swaraj is to be successful, caste system should be demolished, otherwise it will become fiefdom of a handful upper caste people. We must keep in mind that there came British Raj in India due to caste system. If we keep fighting among ourselves in Swaraj, we ourselves will be responsible for our doom.

In his speech of 27 December 1917 at Khamgaon, he said, “We will be fighting against each other, if caste system is not demolished. It is necessary to destroy caste system so that infighting among us is stopped, and we are able to enjoy fruits of Swaraj. If caste system perpetuates, it is likely that this Swaraj will be of the handful of the upper caste people. That does not mean that I am against Swaraj. What I mean is that Swaraj should not end up in concentrating power in the hands of minority upper castes.”

For annihilation of caste system, Shahu Maharaj advocated that there should be inter-caste and inter-faith marriages among Mulnivasis Bahujan on large scale. Shahu Maharaj sent Bhaskarrao Jadhav as representative of OBC to London. Dr. Madhawan Nair from Tamil Nadu was great supporter of Shahu Maharaj. He had opened a front for conveying his thoughts regarding Mulnivasi Bahujan to concerned people in London. Shahu Maharaj had started a scholarship in his memory after his death.

Mahatma Phule ran movement for emancipation of Shudras, Untouchables, women. After him, Shahu Maharaj carried forward this movement. If you make a slave aware of his slavery, shackles of slavery will be broken. But for that, there is need of basic education. Shahu Maharaj made tremendous efforts for spread of education among Mulnivasi Bahujan. For liberating Mulnivasi Bahujan from yoke of Brahmin religion and theocracy, Mulnivasi Bahujan should be educated, awakened. Shahu Maharaj emphasized on the need of a non-Brahmin party for carrying out this great task.

Mysterious death of Shahu Maharaj

Brahmins made several attempts to kill Shahu Maharaj. First, they resorted to defame him by spreading rumours about him. When they were not successful, they killed him. This is history of our great forefathers from great King Bali to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. They killed Sant Tukaram Maharaj, spread rumour that he went to heaven in plane specially sent for him. They also spread rumour that Sant Tukaram Maharaj committed su***de when he could not go to pilgrimage to Pandharpur when he became old. Also, rumour was spread that he died by drowning himself. Reality is that Brahmins killed Sant Tukaram Maharaj, spread rumour that Sant Tukaram Maharaj went to heaven, so that question of what happened to dead body of Sant Tukaram Maharaj should not arise.
Brahmins killed Shivaji Maharaj by poisoning, spread rumour that he died of disease of knee. Till date, no one is learnt to have died of this disease. Sambhaji Maharaj was killed according to rules of Manusmriti. This is reason, rule of Peshwa Brahmins came in Maharashtra, after death of Sambhaji Maharaj. This was what happened in history not more than 400-500 years ago.

Taking inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj was fighting against Brahmins. People remember him not only because he was heir to Shivaji Maharaj but he fought against Brahminwadi system.

Brahmins threatened to kill Shahu Maharaj

When Shahu Maharaj declared 50% reservation for Backward Castes, Brahmins became very angry. In order to frighten him, Brahmins reminded him how his father was killed, when he was going abroad. But Shahu Maharaj did not join camp of Brahmins. They would often threaten Shahu Maharaj to kill him. In letter of 21 July 1902, Shahu Maharaj wrote that Brahmins were threatening to kill him along with his family. Brahmins tried to threaten family of Shahu Maharaj by creating impression of paws smeared with blood, on wall of house. Shahu Maharaj wrote to their family members that Brahmins will not be successful in their manoeuvre. When mother of Shahu Maharaj died, Brahmins created dispute during her last rites. On same night, section of Palace was torched where old records, grains were destroyed. In this way, Brahmins persecuted Shahu Maharaj. But he was not afraid of their threats. Wife of Shahu Maharaj supported him.

In 1905, Tilak threatened Shahu Maharaj that he will destroy his rule in Kolhapur state. Not only that, Brahmins wrote play ‘Sant Tukaram’, where they defamed Sant Tukaram Maharaj. They also insulted Shahu Maharaj calling him Shudra. Bal G. Tilak created ‘Shivaji Club’ for persecuting Shahu Maharaj. They were looting people in name of Shivaji Maharaj. Joshi Brahmin was sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment. Brahmin Y. D. Phadke would call him ‘revolutionary’. Those who tried to kill Shahu Maharaj was revolutionary!

Shahu Maharaj came to know that Tilak was preparing bomb. To destroy state of Shahu Maharaj, Bal G. Tilak hatched conspiracies till his last breath. He made plan to kill Shahu Maharaj by explosion of bomb. This story is delineated in detail in Chirol case. Brahmins made plan to kill political agent of Kolhapur, Col. Ferris, on day of marriage of daughter of Shahu Maharaj, that is, on 21 March 1908. Were they successful in their plan, they would have killed Shahu Maharaj, members of his family, along with Col. Ferris. Unfortunately, consignment did not arrive on time. Tilak made plan to kill heir of Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj. Therefore, Tilak was terrorist who stood exposed.

Shahu Maharaj was running Self-Respect Movement for liberation of Mulnivasi Bahujan. On 28 July 1919, Shau Maharaj wrote letter to Governor, about attack on him, attempt to execute him by explosion of bomb. They tried to kill Shahu Maharaj along with Lord Curzon by throwing bomb at them through Joshi Brahmin. Once, Shahu Maharaj, Frazer escaped from explosion of bomb.

Bal G. Tilak threatened to kill Shahu Maharaj

Bal G. Tilak threatened to kill Shahu Maharaj. On 7 July 1920, Shahu Maharaj wrote letter to Col. Woodhouse, conveying him threat by Bal G. Tilak to kill him. Shahu Maharaj wrote that Tophkhane had come to see Bal G. Tilak. During their discussion Tilak said, “If Shahu Maharaj did not stop allying with British, if he did not stop his efforts for welfare of non-Brahmins, if he did not stop provoking non-Brahmins against Brahmins, tell him that he will be killed in his state.”

But Shahu Maharaj refused to bow down before Brahmins. Through people like Tophkhane, Brahmins spread rumour that Shahu Maharaj was working with Brahmins. Above letter of Shahu Maharaj to Woodhouse makes clear that Shahu Maharaj never bowed down before Brahmins. Bal G. Tilak sent men for attacking Shahu Maharaj. Jedhe, his friends appealed Shahu Maharaj that he should exit from entrance. But, Shahu Maharaj said, “I like direct confrontation. Now, I will see Tilak.” With great efforts, they could take away Shahu Maharaj safely.

Bal G. Tilak wanted to defame Shahu Maharaj, divert his attention from objective by spreading rumours about him. This is what Shahu Maharaj says about objective of Tilak behind this attack. Shahu Maharaj says, “I am frank man. Because of frankness, Brahmins are getting opportunity to create commotion. Brahmins want to take revenge of their sufferings because of non-Brahmin leadership. But, if I am free, it could be dangerous to supremacy of Brahmins. Therefore, they are taking still bitter stand against me. They are defaming me, spreading rumours about me. They want increased strength in Council for weakening government. This is, I think, reason of their aggressiveness.”

“From beginning of British rule in India, at least, influence of Brahmins on people is reducing. To regain their lost influence, Brahmins are making tremendous efforts.”

“They are spreading misunderstanding, mistrust about government among people. Similarly, they are spreading ideology of Varna system to create distrust among various castes, sowing seeds of division. In this way, they are overcoming obstacles coming in their way by organized efforts. They want to make lakhs of blind followers. They want to make Maharashtra centre of their activities, want to rule all over India from here. In this way, Brahmins of Deccan are catastrophe to all India. We can thwart this threat by liberating non-Brahmins from their slavery, weakening Brahmins.”

Objective of Shahu Maharaj was to liberate Mulnivasi Bahujan. When Brahmins were attacking Shahu Maharaj through their newspapers, British were attacking him directly, he did not have right to oppose Brahmins, because he had to follow British. First, British could have banned newspapers of Brahmins, but they did not do so. Therefore, Brahmins were emboldened. Second, being afraid of Brahmins, British prohibited Shahu Maharaj from organizing conferences outside his state. Due to this, Brahmins were further emboldened. In this way, Brahmins, British were demoralizing Shahu Maharaj.

Bal G. Tilak sent men to kill Shahu Maharaj

Bal G. Tilak provoked young men of Deccan Jymkhana, formed group of attackers. With planning, Tilak staged riots during conference of Shahu Maharaj. On 7 November 1920, Shahu Maharaj wrote letter to Montgomery where he said, “Deccan Jymkhana wants to train Brahmin volunteers so that they can thwart conferences of people, make use of wrestlers for attacking non-Brahmins.”

Bal G. Tilak made plan of staging riots during conference of Shahu Maharaj, made plan to kill him. In letter to Hudson, Shahu Maharaj writes, “I am not bothered how they behaved with me, but what about law and order in state? I came to know that one activist of Tilak, planned to attack me. They deliberately treated me differently, because I am supporter of government. If this situation continues, people in state do not have any alternative than to cry or to resort to wield weapon.” From this becomes clear how Brahmins persecuted Shahu Maharaj.

When Shahu Maharaj died he was not sick. In none of his correspondence Shahu Maharaj mentioned of his sickness. When he travelled to Baroda, he was well. He went to Baroda on invitation. Before his death, he wrote letter that makes clear that he was preparing for confrontation. He was taking care that Bombay Council should not be under control of Chitpavan Brahmins. When he was returning from Baroda, he stayed in Hotel Panhala, where he breathed his last. His death also is big mystery. He was not sick when he died. He was only 47 when he died.

After study of documents of Shahu Maharaj it becomes clear that Bal G. Tilak, his company persecuted Shahu Maharaj, killed him. Brahmins persecuted Shahu Maharaj throughout his life. They sabotaged Shahu Maharaj. When Shahu Maharaj died, Mulnivasi Bahujan society was very aggrieved. Young or old, men or women were weeping, for their liberator was gone. Because of sudden death of Shahu Maharaj, Mulnivasi Bahujan society suffered great loss. If Shahu Maharaj lived 10 more years, with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, he would have liberated Mulnivasi Bhaujan society not only from foreign British rule, but also from slavery of Brahmins.

Dr. Dushant Khobragade

04/05/2026

Tribute to Tipu Sultan

Hyder Ali was overjoyed at birth of a son, celebrated the event splendidly. He became extremely fond of Tipu, and devoted on him all love, care that a father is capable of. However, he did not want him to be spoilt child, as was customary in noble families of that time. He brought up his son in discipline. Sensible of disadvantages in which he himself laboured for want of education, procured for his sons the most able masters in all sciences cultivated by Muslims, and enforced by strict discipline, attendance of youth to his studies. From very early age as usual, with children in Muslim families, Tipu learnt Holy Quran. Tipu Sultan liked studies and books throughout his life, in spite of fact that he spent his life mostly on battle-front, fighting to preserve freedom of his country and peoples. He was patron of men of letters, encouraged them to devote to write books, paying them stipends to enable them to read and write.

When Tipu was born, Hyder Ali was only an officer in service of Mysore, his rise was phenomenal thereafter. When Tipu was five, Hyder Ali was appointed Governor of Dindukkal, a year later he became general in Mysore Army. Hyder Ali attributed his phenomenal rise to birth of Tipu, and this increased manifold his love for his son. Hyder Ali appointed great scholars Nasiruddin Turk, Husain Ali Izat as teachers for his son. Under their able mentorship Tipu developed liking for learning.

When Tipu grew up to be a handsome young man, his father started thinking of marriage of his favourite son. He decided on getting his son married to daughter of Imam Sahib, one of his noblemen. But Tipu’s mother Fatima Begum was vehemently opposed to this match. His mother thought that her son should get married to daughter of one of her relatives. Husband and wife argued the question for long time, each maintaining that other’s choice was entirely wrong. This domestic quarrel was ultimately resolved by Hyder Ali, who decided that Tipu should marry both girls at same time. Thus, dispute between mother, father gifted Tipu an additional wife.

Hyder Ali appointed able instructors to train Tipu in warfare. As Tipu grew up, he learnt under his father tactics, discipline of war. His first personal experience was in years 1767, 1768, when his father invaded Karnataka. Young in years, but brave in battlefield, Tipu commanded cavalry as an excellent general. When Hyder Ali was reengaged in relentless war against Marathas from 1775 to 1779, Tipu was a great source of strength to his father, exploits of Tipu at early young age clearly distinguished him as an excellent military general, leader of men of fortune. In July 1780, when army of Hyder Ali rushed like a prodigious torrent into Karnataka, Tipu was in charge of a force of 19,000 cavalry, 8,000 infantry and 12 pieces of cannon. Tipu distinguished himself in all battle he fought under his father, Hyder Ali looked upon his son with great satisfaction as man of destiny after him. Tipu annihilated English army under Colonel Bailey, in subsequent battle with English. For his action he received much applause from his father, who, from that period, considered his son as one of his most able generals. Tipu also ably supported his father during sieges of Vellore, Chengalpet, Wandewash.

After death of his father, Tipu Sultan declared himself successor to his father. Tipu Sultan came to Arcot to fight the English, taking command of the entire operations in his own hands. His father for his life fought against English with a view to preserve freedom of his peoples. To this end, Tipu Sultan now dedicated his entire life. His determination to rebel against English was not actuated by historical expediency, but by an inborn conviction that success of English would result in servitude of his nation. His people under his inspired leadership rallied around him to fight common enemy.

In April 1783, Tipu Sultan, marching with an army of 1,00,000 fought with the English near Bidnur. General Matthews was in charge of two opposing armies. Tipu Sultan’s superior tactics succeeded. He sieged fort of Bidnur. English garrison, overcome by heavy odds was forced to capitulate. Following terms were agreed upon. Garrison to be allowed honours of war, to pile their arms on glacis. They were to retain all their private effects, but to restore all public property. They were to be marched by shortest route to seacoast, and then conveyed by shipping to Bombay; and to be supplied with provisions, every other requisite. Subsequently, due to embezzlement of treasure found in Bidnur by General Matthews, and wanton behaviour of troops, Tipu Sultan put many English soldiers and officers in jail.

After his resounding victory at Bidnur, Tipu Sultan proceeded to rescue Mangalore from the English, who were entrenched in that city under Major Campbell. In this venture, Tipu Sultan got active support of army of France. But when fighting started in right earnest, French deserted him, as there was truce in Europe between English and French. This was big blow to him, but Tipu Sultan was lion-hearted. It was in these circumstances Tipu Sultan rose to heroic heights. To add to his troubles, a large contingent of English forces arrived by sea. Fighting that ensued was ferocious, till George Staunton arrived. There was treaty between Tipu Sultan and the English. Freed from cares from this front, he went with his army to fight Marathas, who had been at their old game of striking blows to rising Muslim power in South. Later, Tipu Sultan attacked, captured forts of Dharwar, Badamy.

Tipu Sultan was a far-sighted general. As both the English and Marathas were after his blood, he ordered that, provisions be stored at Seringapatam to last his army of 1,00,000, for one year. Tipu Sultan marched with his army against Coorg because later rebelled against his authority. Within 8 months, some 80,000 persons were made prisoners, with several chiefs, and several of their strongholds, towns were reduced.

Tipu Sultan was a devout Muslim, who spent money freely for building mosques and for providing a living to people who were devoted to teaching of Islam. This is evident from fact that he prohibited intoxicating liquors, and ordered that all the date and palm trees in his kingdom should be rooted up, prohibited its cultivation in future. This proves that he was more interested in well-being of his peoples than revenue. He dealt with all his subjects with impartiality.

His letters speak eloquently of Tipu Sultan’s tolerance of religious beliefs of his subjects. Tipu Sultan generously donated to Hindu priests, for works related to their religion. In matters pertaining to state, he took advice from his ministers, some of whom were Hindu.
In some parts of south India, according to Brahmin religion, lower caste women were prohibited from covering their chest. Similarly, lower caste men had not right to dress completely to differentiate them from upper caste people. If women of lower castes covered their breasts, they were made to pay tax. When Tipu Sultan conquered those parts of south India, he stopped this barbaric custom. He allowed men and women of lower castes to cover their body completely.

In 1791, during third Mysore war, invading Maratha army caused damage to Sringeri, plundered temple property, even displaced sacred idol of Goddess. Swamiji of temple informed Tipu Sultan about Maratha raid, sought his help for consecrating sacred idol of Goddess. Tipu Sultan responded immediately to his request, and wrote to Swamiji of temple expressing such sentiments of respect for Hinduism as to disprove any charge of intolerance levelled against him. He furnished Swamiji with funds for reinstalling the displaced idol, ordered Collector of Bidnur to supply both cash, other articles. After the idol was installed, Tipu Sultan sent his gifts for Goddess, other articles for Swamiji.

Officials listed hundreds of temples to which Tipu Sultan made yearly offers. Between 1782 and 1799 Tipu Sultan endowed 34 Sanads (deeds) to temples in his domain, while also presenting several of them with gifts of silver, gold plates. To temple at Kalale in Nanjangud tehsil of Mysore district, he gave four silver cups, a silver plate. To temple at Melkote, Tipu Sultan presented gold and silver, jewels, and other articles.

Tipu Sultan gave equal respect to both bells from temple, or call of Azan from mosque. He fixed an allowance for temple at Rayakottai. By paying 10,000 hons Tipu Sultan ordered completion of temple of Gopur in Conjeevaram, whose foundations was laid in 1780 by his father Haider Ali. Because Haider Ali died before completion of temple, Tipu Sultan not only ordered its completion but also participated in its opening ceremony.

This proves that propagation by British that Tipu Sultan was a bigot and persecuted Hindus was completely falsified. Attempts of a few British historians to depict Tipu Sultan as intolerant are highly erroneous. Tipu Sultan was just and fair to all his subjects. His appointment of numerous Hindus to high offices proves that he was not sectarian. Purnaiya was minister in charge of important Department of Revenue and Finance. Krishna Rao was treasurer, Shama Iyengaar was incharge of law and order, police. Narasing Rao and Ranga Iyengaar held important posts in Seringapatam; Srinivasa Rao, Appaji Ram were main diplomats who negotiated important external matters. Mool Chand and Sajjan Rai were his chief agents at Mughal court in Delhi. Nagappaiah, a Brahmin was faujdar of Coorg. His civil list is full of names of Hindus, who held important posts in state.

If he crushed the Hindus of Coorg, Christians of Mangalore, Nayars of Malabar, who were all hands in gloves with the English to subvert his power, he did not spare Muslim Mopillas in the interest of his state. He attacked the Nawab of Savanur, threatened Muslim ruler of Kurnool, was more hostile towards Nizam and Nawab of Kaarnataka than towards Marathas. His harshness at times was politically motivated and was not at all based on religious factors. Tipu Sultan’s sense of respect for Hindus becomes clear from fact that he would not attack Dindukkal fort from rear, as there was a temple.

Tipu Sultan fought against the English during life-time of his father, also after he ascended throne. His personal experience convinced him that in order to be successful against the English, he should have active support of well-equipped French army. In order to ensure a permanent and lasting alliance with French, in 1874, he sent Gualam Ali Khan and two of his trusted advisers as ambassadors to Court of France, and three reached Constantinople, but due to considerable obstacles, they came to Mysore in 1786. Tipu sultan was disappointed. However, once again he selected three of his advisers, Mohammad Darvesh Khan, Akbar Ali Khan and Mohammad Usman Khan, who left Pondicherry in July 1787. They were received most graciously by Loius XVI. However, he could only ensure ambassadors of his friendship over their master, promise of future support, when free from his own concerns. Three emissaries came handed to Seringapatam in 1798.

Tipu Sultan was remarkable person in history of Islam. At a time when most Muslim politicians, leaders were still incapable of discovering importance of rise of European nations, Tipu Sultan developed consciousness. Tipu Sultan thought of entering into an alliance with one European power to defeat another on an international basis, and visualized an alliance of Muslim powers to meet new challenge.

In June 1789, Tipu Sultan captured several cities, forts of Cochin. The English decided to go all out to crush Tipu Sultan, who was only man who seemed to thwart their designs of establishing English rule in India. The English supported alliance of Marathas and Nizam of Hyderabad against Tipu Sultan. He withdrew from Travancore, came to Seringapatam.

Alliance of the English, Marathas and Nizam was proving too formidable for Tipu Sultan, more so as French were refusing to ally with him. Therefore, in 1792, these combined forces proved to be overwhelming. Tipu Sultan at length agreed to cede to allies one-half of his dominions. In this hour of crisis, his subjects, both Hindus and Muslims stood by him. His council of ministers met to devise ways and means of collecting revenue by way of taxes. New taxes were levied to which people willingly responded.

Tipu Sultan could see that unless the English were defeated, they would succeed in establishing their rule over India. He was a born freedom fighter, he could not reconcile himself to such an eventuality. He sought support from governments outside India – with France, Afghanistan, Persia, Nepal, Mauritius to defend their liberty against the English. But his attempts in this direction did not meet with any success. Relentlessly revolting against the English, he wanted to defend most cherished of all his possessions – liberty and freedom – possessions which were worth preserving. His spirit, in spite of reverses, soared to heroic heights, but petty-mindedness, treachery of other Indian powers around him, dragged him down, thus paving way for Western domination.

He was fond of an active outdoor life. He like hunting wild beats especially tigers, lions. Tipu Sultan liked to read books, would find some time for reading, when he was not on war front. He showed keen interest in collecting books for his personal library, which was indeed a difficult task in those days, when most of books were handwritten manuscripts. Library of Tipu Sultan contained more than two thousand books. After death of Tipu Sultan his library was transferred to Calcutta. Some of part of library along with valuables were sent to East India House in England. Valuable Bird of Paradise, ornamented with precious stones, other parts of throne of Tipu Sultan, his armour, swords, muskets, other articles were placed in Windsor Castle.

Both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan gave encouragement to Urdu, particularly, latter being great patron of learning. Tipu Sultan patronized Urdu poets of the day like Shah Mohamed Sadruddin, Shaikh Mian Fazalullah Faqir, Shah Kamaluddin, Mir Husain Ali. He also established at Seringapatam what can be considered university. According to Mahmood Khan Mahmood Bangalori, Tipu Sultan was good pet in Urdu. He also wrote some books in Urdu, besides commissioning several authors to write books in Urdu. He also said to have started Urdu newspaper “Fauji Akbar”, circulated among army officers.

Tipu Sultan could speak fluently in various languages like Arabic, Persian, Kanarese, Urdu, English, French. As a soldier by upbringing, training, he liked to have fine military marches for his army. Being fond of music, he is reported to have composed some military marches.

Hyder Ali carved out a kingdom for himself in face of opposition of Marathas, English. Tipu Sultan ruled Mysore, but there was no despotism in their rule, he ruled according to law of Shar. He called himself a ‘Citizen of Mysore’ in order to identify himself with his people. His people were prosperous, contended. His territories were best cultivated, its population most flourishing in India.

Tipu Sultan introduced several administrative reforms, in addition to other reforms during his time, entitling him to be called a progressive, benevolent ruler of his people. Although he was the undisputed head of government, administration of his kingdom worked through well-defined eighteen departments, that were expanded later. He also introduced reforms in his army. Like his father, Tipu Sultan gave special attention to building a powerful navy. In this connection, in 1793, he built a college at Bhatkal for training in modern methods of naval warfare.

Tipu Sultan divided agricultural land into two categories – irrigated, unirrigated. Value of crop actually produced was measure of taxation, not area of land. Cultivator paid both in cash and kind. Tipu Sultan was keen on agricultural development, and to achieve this object, he granted government waste lands on terms favourable to farmers, there being complete moratorium on rent chargeable for first year, partial moratorium for next four years. Tipu Sultan encouraged farmers by giving them loans, minimizing tyrannical imposition by usurpers. Tipu Sultan severely penalized those found guilty of enforcing forced labour on farmers.

Tipu Sultan realized enormous importance of increasing commerce and trade in national economy of a developing country. He established his own trading companies at important seaports. He sent trading officer in Jeddah, and trade commissioner, ambassadors in France, Iran, Turkastan, China, Burma.

Tipu Sultan encouraged cottage industry, particularly pottery, wood-work, ivory-work, carpet-making. Tipu Sultan introduced reforms in field of coins and currency. When he succeeded his father, he inherited only two mints, but he increased their number to twelve: Seringapatam, Bidnur, Gooty, Bangalore, Chitaldurg, Calicut, Satyamangalam, Dindukkal, Gurramkonda, Dharwar, Mysore, Ferokh.

First battle of Tipu Sultan with the English was when he was 17, under the able command of his father Hyder Ali. While encouraging his officers to fight against British, Tipu Sultan said, “To live like a lion for a day is far better than a hundred years’ life of a jackal.” The English were out to bring princes of India under their suzerainty, and Tipu Sultan was determined to resist their domination.

When British took possession of Seringapatam in February 1792, desecrated tomb of his father, other buildings in Lal Bagh, Tipu Sultan was very furious. Tipu Sultan ordered his cannon to be fired at British, who desecrated spot that was very sacred to him.

In June 1798, Marquis Wellesley was actuated by imperial designs of the English to fight against Tipu Sultan. He sent threatening letters to Tipu Sultan, accusing him of inviting French and other outside powers to come to his support to fight against the English. Wellesley issued orders in February 1799, for British army to invade dominions of Tipu Sultan. British army on command of General Harris marched from Vellore and were joined by forces of Nizam heading towards Seringapatam. Combined armies camped on frontier of Mysore. On following day hostilities commenced. British army supported by forces of some Indian princes far outnumbered army of Tipu Sultan. In spite of this, Tipu Sultan marched at the head of his army from Seringapatam to Madurai in order to fight against enemy. After a brief initial success, army of Tipu Sultan left battle-field, leaving a great number of dead. After resting his army, he again marched to meet British. After a fierce battle, Tipu Sultan found that he lost a great number of officers and more than thousand of his soldiers.

Meeting reverse after reverse, Tipu Sultan was compelled to retreat to fortified city of Seringapatam. Surrounded by British army, he wrote letter to British Commander, General Harris, “Governor-General Mornington Bahadur sent me a letter, a copy of which is enclosed; you can understand it. I am sticking firmly to treaty. What then is meaning of advance of the English armies and the occurrence of hostilities?”

General Harris received reinforcements, with arrival of additional garrison. On 20 April, the English army attacked entrenchment on south bank of river. General Harris sent a draft of terms to Tipu Sultan. Tipu Sultan replied that being important matter it needed discussion. Therefore, he sent two of his messengers. General Harris refused to meet his messengers. General Harris asked Tipu Sultan either to accept terms or face consequences.

Tipu Sultan was not to be intimidated. He knew that terms of the English were so humiliating that they were more than a military defeat. He quietly but determinedly began preparations for battle. Fighting broke out in all its fury. At this time, Tipu Sultan was living in one of gateways on northern rampart, in order to be near place of attack. He said to his army, “I would defend fort to last extremity. As a man can die only once, it was of little consequence, when his life comes to an end.” Next day saw situation precariously poised for Tipu Sultan, but he did not show any sign of panic or fear.

When news of death of one of his commanders, Ghofar was brought to Tipu Sultan, he said, “Ghofar was a brave man who was not afraid of death; he obtained crown of martyrdom.”

Tipu Sultan retired late in the evening to his apartment for dinner. But before he could finish his dinner, he was disturbed by a fierce noise, which again indicated that, British renewed the attack. He instantly buckled his sword, and ordered his Fusils to be loaded. When he came to battle-front, he soon perceived from fate of his fugitive army that things were going against him. He repeatedly fired on the English and killed several of them. However, when front of the English column approached where he stood, most of his attendants deserted him. Tipu Sultan was forced to retreat. Then he mounted on his horse and endeavoured to enter town, entrance being crowded by numerous fugitives. While in this situation, English horsemen fired into gateway, wounding Sultan on left in chest. Soon after he received another wound in right side. His horse being severely wounded fell under him, his turban fell down. Sultan lay on ground, severely wounded. Some more English soldiers arrived on scene. One of them attempted to sn**ch away his richly ornamented belt. Wounded Sultan, who still held his sword in his right hand, made a cut at that soldier wounding him in knee. Latter instantly fired his musket and shot Sultan through temple causing immediate death.

His countenance was no way distorted, but wore an expression of stern composure. Turban, sash, sword, belt were gone. His body was kept in Palace for night. Next day, in afternoon, funeral procession, attended by large number of people, with solemnity and dignity, moved from fort. Body was lowered amidst firing of guns, into a grave dug near tomb of his father.

Over simple grave of martyr a plain tomb of marble was erected later with an inscription that read, “As Tipu Sultan vowed to wage a holy war, Almighty conferred rank of Martyrdom on him, the date of which Shuheer declares thus: ‘The Defender of Faith, Sovereign of World, departed.’

Dr. Dushant Khobragade

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