Third Anglo Mysore War: Causes, Battles, and Outcome

The Third Anglo-Mysore War was a significant conflict in South India that took place between 1790 and 1792. The war was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore, along with their allies, the Maratha Empire, the Kingdom of Travancore, and the Nizam of Hyderabad. This was the third of four Anglo-Mysore Wars that took place in the late 18th century.

The causes of the Third Anglo-Mysore War were complex and multifaceted. One of the key factors was the British desire to expand their territory and influence in India. The British also sought to weaken Mysore’s power, which they saw as a potential threat to their own interests. On the other hand, Mysore, under the leadership of Tipu Sultan, was determined to resist British expansion and maintain its independence. The conflict was also fueled by religious and cultural differences between the British and Mysore, as well as economic factors such as trade and taxation policies.

The Third Anglo-Mysore War had significant consequences for both sides. The British emerged victorious, but the war was costly and difficult, and it highlighted the limitations of their military power in India. For Mysore, the war was a devastating blow, and it led to the eventual downfall of the kingdom. The war also had wider implications for the region, as it contributed to the growing tensions between the British and other Indian powers, and helped to shape the future of British colonial rule in India.

The Context of the War

The Third Anglo-Mysore War was fought between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company, along with the Maratha Empire, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and the Kingdom of Travancore. The war took place from 1790 to 1792 and was the third of four Anglo-Mysore Wars.

The conflict was sparked by the British East India Company’s desire to gain control over the rich kingdom of Mysore. The ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, was a fierce opponent of the British and had previously fought against them in the Second Anglo-Mysore War.

In addition to the British, Tipu Sultan was also facing opposition from the Maratha Empire, who were unhappy with his expansionist policies, and the Nizam of Hyderabad, who were concerned about the threat posed by the powerful kingdom of Mysore.

The British formed a triple alliance with the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad, with the aim of defeating Tipu Sultan and bringing Mysore under British control.

The war was fought in southern India and saw a number of key battles, including the Battle of Pollilur and the Siege of Bangalore. Despite initially suffering some setbacks, the British were ultimately successful in their campaign and were able to capture the capital city of Mysore, Seringapatam.

The war had a significant impact on the region, with the defeat of Mysore leading to the dismantling of the kingdom and the eventual annexation of its territories by the British East India Company.

Key Figures in the War

Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. He was the son of Hyder Ali, who had previously fought against the British East India Company in the First and Second Anglo-Mysore Wars. Tipu Sultan was known for his military prowess and innovation, as well as his opposition to British rule in India.

During the Third Anglo-Mysore War, Tipu Sultan fought against the British forces led by Sir William Medows. Despite his best efforts, he was eventually defeated by the British and forced to sign the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792. This treaty resulted in the loss of half of his kingdom, as well as a large sum of money that he was required to pay to the British.

Lord Cornwallis

Lord Cornwallis was the Governor-General of India during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. He was a British military commander who had previously served in the American Revolutionary War. Cornwallis was known for his strategic thinking and his ability to lead troops in battle.

During the Third Anglo-Mysore War, Cornwallis led the British forces against Tipu Sultan. He was responsible for the successful siege of Seringapatam, which resulted in the defeat of Tipu Sultan and the signing of the Treaty of Seringapatam. Cornwallis was also responsible for the establishment of the Cornwallis Code, which reformed the legal system in India and was seen as a major step towards British colonialism in the country.

Overall, Tipu Sultan and Lord Cornwallis were two of the key figures in the Third Anglo-Mysore War. While Tipu Sultan was a fierce opponent of British rule in India, Lord Cornwallis was instrumental in securing British victory in the war and establishing British colonialism in the country.

Major Battles

The Third Anglo-Mysore War was characterized by a series of major battles between the British and the Kingdom of Mysore. Here are three of the most significant battles of the war:

Siege of Bangalore

The Siege of Bangalore was a major engagement between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore. The siege began in March 1791, and lasted for over two months. The British forces, under the command of General Lord Cornwallis, ultimately emerged victorious, with the Mysorean forces retreating from the city. The siege was a significant turning point in the war, as it allowed the British to gain control of the strategic city of Bangalore.

Battle of Pollilur

The Battle of Pollilur was fought on September 27, 1780, between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore. The battle was a major victory for the Mysorean forces, who were led by the legendary ruler Tipu Sultan. The British suffered significant losses, with over 2,000 soldiers killed or captured. The battle was a significant setback for the British, and marked the beginning of a long and difficult conflict.

Battle of Seringapatam

The Battle of Seringapatam was the final battle of the Third Anglo-Mysore War, fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore. The battle took place on May 4, 1799, and resulted in a decisive victory for the British. The Mysorean forces, under the command of Tipu Sultan, were defeated, and Tipu himself was killed in the battle. The victory marked the end of the war, and led to the annexation of Mysore by the British.

Political Consequences

Treaty of Seringapatam

The Third Anglo-Mysore War concluded with the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792. The treaty resulted in Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, ceding half of his kingdom to the British, including the areas of Malabar, Dindigul, Coorg, and Baramahal. Additionally, Tipu Sultan had to pay Rs.3 Crore as war indemnity to the British. The treaty marked the end of Tipu Sultan’s aggressive expansionist policies and weakened the power of the Mysore state.

Partition of Mysore

The Treaty of Seringapatam also led to the partition of Mysore. The British installed a puppet ruler, Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, and divided Mysore into five parts, each ruled by a different prince. The partition weakened the Mysore state and made it easier for the British to control the region. The partition also led to the rise of local chieftains who became powerful players in the region’s politics.

The political consequences of the Third Anglo-Mysore War were far-reaching. The Treaty of Seringapatam marked the end of Tipu Sultan’s expansionist policies and weakened the power of the Mysore state. The partition of Mysore weakened the state further and made it easier for the British to control the region. The rise of local chieftains added a new dimension to the region’s politics and paved the way for the rise of regional political parties in the future.

Cultural and Social Impact

The Third Anglo-Mysore War had a significant impact on the cultural and social fabric of the region. The war led to the downfall of Tipu Sultan, who was a patron of art, culture, and literature. As a result, the region witnessed a decline in the arts and culture scene.

The British forces, who emerged victorious in the war, imposed their own culture and traditions on the region. This led to the marginalization of the local population and their traditions. The British also introduced their education system, which had a significant impact on the social structure of the region.

The war also led to the displacement of a large number of people, who were forced to leave their homes and settle in new areas. This led to the creation of new communities and the fusion of different cultures.

Overall, the Third Anglo-Mysore War had a profound impact on the cultural and social landscape of the region. The war led to the decline of the local culture and traditions, and the imposition of British culture and traditions. The displacement of people and the fusion of different cultures also had a lasting impact on the region.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Third Anglo-Mysore War had a significant impact on the history of India. Here are some of the key legacies and historical significances of the war:

• British Consolidation: The war resulted in the further expansion of British control in southern India. Mysore’s power and influence were significantly diminished, and the British solidified their hold over the region. This consolidation paved the way for the eventual British colonization of India.
• Tipu Sultan’s Demise: The war marked a turning point in Mysore’s history. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, was killed in the final battle of the war. His death marked the end of an era of strong and independent Muslim rulers in southern India.
• Military Innovations: The war saw the use of several military innovations, including rockets and iron-cased artillery. Tipu Sultan is credited with the development and use of these weapons, which were later adopted by the British and used in their wars around the world.
• Impact on Indian Nationalism: The war had a significant impact on Indian nationalism. Tipu Sultan is often seen as a hero and a symbol of resistance against British colonialism. His death at the hands of the British is still remembered and mourned by many Indians today.
• Impact on British Imperialism: The war was a key moment in the expansion of the British Empire. It demonstrated the military superiority of the British over the Indian states and paved the way for further British conquests in India and beyond.

Overall, the Third Anglo-Mysore War was a significant event in the history of India and the British Empire. Its legacies and historical significances continue to be felt to this day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the causes and effects of the Third Anglo-Mysore War?

The Third Anglo-Mysore War was caused by Tipu Sultan’s expansionist policies and his refusal to sign a treaty with the British. The British, with the help of their allies, defeated Tipu Sultan and annexed half of Mysore. The war weakened Mysore and strengthened British control over South India.

Who fought in the Third Anglo-Mysore War?

The Third Anglo-Mysore War was fought between the Kingdom of Mysore, led by Tipu Sultan, and the British East India Company, as well as the Kingdom of Travancore, the Maratha Empire, and the Nizam of Hyderabad.

What was the chronology of events during the Third Anglo-Mysore War?

The Third Anglo-Mysore War lasted from 1790 to 1792. The British, with the help of their allies, launched a series of attacks on Mysore, culminating in the Battle of Seringapatam in May 1791. Tipu Sultan was defeated and forced to sign the Treaty of Seringapatam in March 1792.

Who was defeated in the Third Anglo-Mysore War?

Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, was defeated in the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

What was the outcome of the Third Anglo-Mysore War?

The outcome of the Third Anglo-Mysore War was the defeat of Tipu Sultan and the annexation of half of Mysore by the British. The war weakened Mysore and strengthened British control over South India.

What was the significance of the Third Anglo-Mysore War in Indian history?

The Third Anglo-Mysore War marked the end of Tipu Sultan’s rule and the beginning of British control over South India. It also highlighted the British policy of divide and rule, as they were able to defeat Tipu Sultan with the help of their allies. The war had a significant impact on the political and economic landscape of India.