Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

HERITAGE

The Tippu connection

Learn how Coimbatore came under British rule

This article strives to provide an insight into the events that resulted in Coimbatore region falling into the hands of the British. The Imperial Gazette throws some light into our past. Though the British were masters in documenti ng history, we should remember it is their version.

In 1799, the British were fighting their most inveterate force, the one they called the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ – Tippu Sultan. May 4, 1799 is an important day in the history of our region — Tippu was killed in the Fourth Anglo Mysore War in Srirangapatna, and his domain fell into the hands of the British. In his book Southern India, Somerset Playne writes: “Bloodshed and destitution followed in the wake of these two warriors (Hyder and Tippu), and there was no peace until Tippu was finally overthrown in 1799, and Coimbatore, as a district, came under the protection of England.”

There was no peace in the district then, as there were constant raids by and between the Vijayanagar deputies and the Mysore kings. Once the Vijayanagar deputies (Nayaks) fell, almost the entire region came under the Chikka Deva Raja of Mysore. Even though the region was under Mysore, the powers of the Poligars were paramount. The Imperial Gazette – Provincial Series states “….and before Chikka Deva Raja of Mysore died in 1704, the whole of the District had come u nder his dominion.

But it continued to be largely ruled through the agency of Poligars, or petty chieftains, whose powers were almost absolute”. It also states that these powers exercised their might ruthlessly.

In 1761, Hyder Ali usurped the Mysore throne, and was the new power in southern India. He was worst dream come true for the British.

The Imperial Gazette – Provincial Series 1908 states: “During the forty years of Muhammadan rule which followed, until the district passed to the Company after the defeat and death of Haidar’s (sic) son Tippu Sulta n at Seringapatam in 1799, it was the scene of incessant marches and countermarches, advances and retreats, by the British and the Mysore troops; and the forts scattered through it, notably those at Erode, Karur, Dharapuram, and Coimbatore, were constantly taken and retaken in the numberless engagements which occurred. On four distinct occasions the District became the field of conflict between the British and Mysore Powers”.

It was a difficult time, for, on one side Hyder and Tippu were trying to gain supremacy, and on the other, there were the British and the local powers. One could not take sides, as both would have been new to the people then. Some call him the first freedom fighter, and some, a tyrant who just wanted to expand him kingdom. History shows him as being secular at times and intolerant at many points. But, the fact remains that Tippu Sultan, was one of the most tactful warriors the British feared.

The British took over Coimbatore after they silenced the Tiger of Mysore. It is true that the District came under one power, but it still was under the British. Many reminders have perished, including the fort, the palace and many structures.

A lot of information is available on Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan as regards our region. The next article would detail the incidents that shaped the region’s history and geography.

SHANKAR VANAVARAYAR

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail