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General Studies 1 >> Art& Culture

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SULTHAN BATHERY

SULTHAN BATHERY

 
 
1. Context
 
The BJP president of Kerala, K Surendran said the renaming of Sulthan Bathery in Kerala’s Wayanad district is “inevitable”.  He said, “Sulthan Bathery should be renamed as Ganapathyvattam. This is not the land of Tipu Sultan who massacred Hindus and Christians. Congress and CPM want the place to be known after a criminal (Tipu)
2. About Sulthan Bathery

Sulthan Bathery is a town located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It's known for its historical significance and natural beauty. The town got its name from the historic fort built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, during the 18th century. The fort served as a strategic military outpost during Tipu Sultan's reign.

Today, Sulthan Bathery is a bustling town surrounded by lush greenery and tea estates, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors come to explore the historical sites, including the Sultan Bathery Jain Temple, which has intricate carvings and is believed to date back to the 13th century.

The town also serves as a gateway to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds. Sulthan Bathery is also known for its spice plantations, where visitors can take guided tours to learn about the cultivation of spices like pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon

3.Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali

 

  • Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali were prominent figures in South Indian history, particularly known for their roles in the Kingdom of Mysore, which encompassed parts of present-day Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Here's an overview of each:
  • Hyder Ali: Hyder Ali was born in 1720 in present-day Karnataka, India. He started his career as a soldier and eventually rose to power in the Mysore region. Through his military prowess and diplomatic skills, he became the de facto ruler of Mysore by 1761. Hyder Ali implemented various administrative and military reforms, strengthening the Mysorean state.

  • Tipu Sultan: Tipu Sultan, also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the eldest son of Hyder Ali, born in 1750. He succeeded his father as the ruler of Mysore upon Hyder Ali's death in 1782. Tipu Sultan continued his father's policies, focusing on military modernization and expansion. He engaged in several wars against the British East India Company, most notably in the Anglo-Mysore Wars.

  • Both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan are remembered for their efforts to resist British expansionism in South India. They employed innovative military tactics and diplomatic maneuvers to defend Mysore against British encroachment. However, their confrontations with the British ultimately led to the downfall of the Kingdom of Mysore
  • Tipu Sultan, in particular, is a controversial figure in Indian history. While he is celebrated as a patriot and a symbol of resistance against colonialism in some quarters, others criticize his methods, such as the forced conversion of Hindus and the destruction of temples in regions he conquered
  • Tipu Sultan, originally named Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu, was born on November 10, 1750, in Devanahalli, which is now part of Bangalore. He was the son of Hyder Ali, who had risen through the ranks of the army of the Wodeyars, the ruling Hindu dynasty of Mysore at the time. Hyder Ali assumed power in 1761, and upon his death in 1782, Tipu succeeded him.
  • During a conflict with the British in 1767, Tipu had his first exposure to European culture and lifestyle, which intrigued him. This interest influenced his governance of Mysore, as he implemented various policies and reforms aimed at modernizing the princely state, leaving a lasting impact on his legacy.
  • Hyder Ali passed away in 1782 during a period of territorial expansion. Consequently, Tipu inherited the throne amidst challenges, focusing primarily on consolidating the territories inherited from his father.
  • In the preceding two decades, the Kingdom of Mysore had gradually expanded by annexing disputed regions along its borders. Tipu inherited rebellious provinces in Malabar, Kodagu, and Bednur, which were vital to Mysore's strategic and economic interests. His rule in these areas is often cited as evidence of his intolerance and authoritarianism.
  • The military of the Mysuru kingdom utilized Ganapathyvattam as a storage site for their ammunition, leading to the town being referred to as 'Sultan's Battery' in British records.
  • Tipu Sultan met his demise defending his fortress of Srirangapatna against British forces during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799. Despite being vastly outnumbered and lacking support from his French allies, he fought valiantly until the end
4. Anglo-Mysore wars
 

The Anglo-Mysore Wars were a series of conflicts fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India during the 18th and 19th centuries. These wars were primarily driven by territorial expansion, trade interests, and the strategic control of South India.

Here's an overview of the major Anglo-Mysore Wars:

  • First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-1769): This conflict was sparked by the expansionist policies of Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore. The British, concerned about Mysorean dominance in the region, allied with the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad against Hyder Ali. The war ended inconclusively with the Treaty of Madras in 1769, which restored the status quo ante bellum.

  • Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784): Hyder Ali's son, Tipu Sultan, succeeded him as the ruler of Mysore and continued his father's policies. This war began when Tipu Sultan attacked British-occupied territories in southern India. Despite initial successes by Tipu Sultan, the British, under the leadership of Governor-General Warren Hastings and later Cornwallis, managed to gain the upper hand. The war concluded with the Treaty of Mangalore in 1784, which restored the status quo, albeit with some territorial adjustments.

  • Third Anglo-Mysore War (1789-1792): This war was triggered by Tipu Sultan's refusal to comply with the Treaty of Mangalore and his attempts to forge alliances with France and other regional powers. The British, led by Governor-General Lord Cornwallis, launched a concerted campaign against Mysore. Tipu Sultan's forces were defeated, and he was forced to cede significant territories and pay a large indemnity under the terms of the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792.

  • Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1798-1799): The immediate cause of this war was Tipu Sultan's refusal to align with the British against the French during the Napoleonic Wars. The British, under Governor-General Richard Wellesley, launched a major offensive against Mysore. Tipu Sultan's forces were decisively defeated, and he was killed during the Siege of Srirangapatna in 1799. The war resulted in the complete annexation of Mysore by the British East India Company

Ganapathyvattam
 
Ganapathyvattam is a location associated with the historical context of the Anglo-Mysore Wars. It served as a battery or storage site for ammunition utilized by the military forces of the Kingdom of Mysore during the conflicts with the British East India Company. Over time, the town became known as "Sultan's Battery" in British records due to its association with Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore during the late 18th century. This site holds significance within the narrative of military history and colonial encounters in South India
 
 
 
For Prelims: History of India
For Mains: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues
 
Source: Indianexpress

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