CHAPTER-V

MYSORE-MARATHA RELATIONS FROM 1782-1799

 73

MYSORE MARATHA RELATIONS BETWEEN 1782-1799

The year 1782 marked changes in the political history

of Mysore. The political scene of Mysore was changed with

the death of Haidar Ali, on 7 th December, 1782. This

clearly paved the way for the rise of Tipu Sultan to power.

Tipu Sultan, son of Haidar Ali born on 20th November,

1753, at Devanhalli (in the present Bangalore district) of a

high born mother Fakhur-un-insa^. About the childhood of

young Tipu, we know very little. His admirers say that he

had sound scholastic education, and that his military

instructor was Ghazi-khan, one of his father's best

2
officers . Haidar provided war like instruments, to

esteemed the first part of education. Cruelty too is often

mistaken for herosim, and impetuosity for magnanimity. Tipu

gave early proof of all these Indian counsel. He was still

partial to the company of learned men and had army his privy

counsellors a Brahmin of considerable

genius, whose
3
production were hoardedup in the royal archives . During

his boyhood years Tipu was not a prince at all, just the son
4
of a minor though promising officer .

In this connection a few words regarding his

character is necessary to express. Tipu was distinguished

for desperate courage and overweening sense of

self-importance and ominiscience. He was also a religious

fanatic and a cruel despot determined to use his sword for
5
the glory of Islam by increasing the number of his faith .

Let us look at the comparative religious policies of Haidar

and Tipu Sultan.

Haidar Ali was a secular inspirit. His secularism

was due to the fact that he was brought up in a non-muslim

circle, most of his friends were Hindus, who were with him
till his end. He appointed Hindus at high positions in his

kingdom. Prominent among them are Poornaiah, Khanderao and

Krishnarao. We do not get any evidence of his atrocity on

non-muslims. On the other hand his son Tipu Sultan was a

bigot. Though certain sources revealed that Tipu gave

donations to Sharada temple and Sringeri math but this

does not provide immunity from calling him a fantic. He

removed abruptly all the Hindu officers appointed by his

father just to accumodate muslims. Hindus left home to

avoide Tipu's atrocity. In this context it is apt to quote

'Medows Taylor ' says, "his cruelties to his own subjects,

his forcible conversion of Hindus and terror of his

administral combined with his fierce religous bigotory and

fanatism were sufficiently revolting to the people at

large". Therefore, we can say that, Tipu was intolerent.

In this connection it is worth to mention that, the

legacy of Haidar to Tipu are as follows.

BAIASAHEB KRARDEXAR LIBMlf

HilVAJj UUiVEHSlTY. KOLUAUMb
 Haidar Ali's military included cavalry, infantry,

elephantory and also organised the navy for the first time

in the Mysore kingdom. He had shipyards at Mangalore,

Karwar, Bhatkal and other places. He got 30 warships and 30

commercial ships built. He started a naval training school

at Bhatkal and later it was shifted to Mangalore**. His army

and navy trained by French and Dutch officers and admirals.

Thus the above said military forces left by Haidar to his

son Tipu, was a great legacy to Mysore in general and Tipu

in particular.

Before attempting to know Tipu's relations with the

Marathas, let us have a brief idea of the nature of Maratha

state or political condition in Maratha kingdom when Tipu

rosed to power. By this time (1782) the Marathas had

engaged in the war against the Britishers. It was because

of dis-union in Maratha politics that it becomes all the

more glaring in the period from 1772 to 1802. After 1772

the most important event was, the murder of Peshwa

Narayanrao, who succeeded Madhavrao and the first Anglo

Maratha conflict. Raghoba tried to occupy the Peshwaship. A

conspiracy was formed by Raghoba's partisans to release

their patron from his confinement. In the Peshwa place and

put him on the Gadi. This was avoided by Sakharam Bapu,

Trimbak Pethe, Nana Padanis and others. Raghoba soon became

a fugitive and in a desparate movement turned to the English

of Bombay for armed aid to recover his Peshwaship.

The Bombay was happy at the idea of extending its

territory and of subordinating the Maratha power to its own.

This was opposed by Ministers of Poona. Thus, began the

first Anglo-Maratha war which was fought with bitterness on

both sides, which drained the resources of both, at last a

treaty was concluded between Marathas and the Englishers in

May 1782, known as treaty of Salbai. The consequences of

this war gave it respite of twenty years to put its own

house in order. The treasury of the Peshwa drained due to

the war and he turned his attention towards Mysore to

recover the dues.

After 1782 though the control of Peshwa over

feudatories continued but he had little control over their

internal affaris. His authority was limited to the

provinces, directly held by him.

With the above brief sketch of Maratha politics, it

is better to enter into the period of Tipu's relations with

the Peshwas. As far as the relationship of the Mysore with

the Marathas under Tipu Sultan, it actually starts with the

new treaty that was concluded on 28th October,1783 between

7
Marathas and the English .

Grant Duff is of the opinion regarding this treaty

 11

that, "It was as much the wish of Nana Purnawees of Sindia

to oblige Tippu to conform to the terms of the treaty of

Salbye, in order that he might appear to the other powers of

8
India a Maratha dependent as well as tributary . On the

other hand Tippu recaptured Bednur on 30th April, along with

Mathews and 4000 men and put them in the prison at

Srinrangapatna while the Marathas, preparing for commencing

hostilites against Tipu were well under way, The Englishers

concluded the treaty of Mangalore on 11th March,1784 which

proved ire of Warren Hastings".

The Maratha troops were sent against Tipu early in

1784 under the leadership of Haripant Phadke. This shows

the utter negligence of Mangalore treaty by the Marathas.

Because Mangalore treaty was a milestone in the history of

British India. It had upset all the calculations of the

Marathas as well as that of Nizam of Hyderabad. Sure of

Tipu's defeat they joined hands with the English. Nana

urged Tukaji Holkar to join Haripant while he himself along

with Parashuram Bhau met Nizam at Yadgir in Raichur district

9
on 16th May,1784 . After protracted negotiations "the

conference in general treaty of alliance the particulars of

which were to be specified as soon as they found themselves

prepared enter upon its execution^.

But Sri.Sardesai, differs about the result

 78

the conference that was held between Nana and Nizam.

According to him the meeting was held between Nizam and the

Marathas, this was commenced on 16th May and lasted for a

week with due ceremonials and free discussion. On 21st May,

Nizam Ali paid a return visit to Nana. They determined to

have a joint war against Tipu, but as the season had than

far advanced, the actual operations were postponed. Tipu's

reply to these Maratha and Nizam demonstrations of war were

11
prompt and decisive

Tipu wanted to snatch away Bijapur from the hands of

Nizam. In this regard he reacted promptly when he called

upon the Nizam to handover to him Bijapur and acknowledge

himself a vassal by paying him an annual tribute. He at

once followed up the threat with an attack on the Nizam's

territories south of the

Krishna, while sending
12
Burhan-ud-din the beriege of Nargund . Tipu advanced upon

the Maratha post of Dharwar. Kittur and Nargund were two

vassal Hindu states belonging to the Marathas. South of

Malaprabha, which formed the particular objects of Tipu's

ambition. They openly defied him relying upon the support

they drew from Poona, Nargund was for a time ably defended

by its Diwan Kalopant Pethe. Tipu marched towards North

Karnataka. Tipu's force advanced to North and reduced chief

of Kittur and his family (September,1785)^.
 This march is memorable from one point of view. This

invasion on North Karnataka region is famous for Tipu's

atrocities on Hindu families. Here Tipu committed heinous

atrocities on Lingayats and they were maltreated. These

atrocities were prepartrated during the wet months of

14
1785 . Apart from these atrocities on Hindus Tipu was

able to capture Ramdurg on 5th May,1785 and Nargund on 29th

July,1785, confining the latter's Brahmin ruler Vyankatrao

Bhave and his Diwan Kalopant Pethe to prison at

Srirangapatnam. By the end of December,1785, Dodwad,

Dharwar, Sampagaon and Jamboti had passed under the

occupation of the Mysoreans 15

The above happenings were reported to Nana and he

felt entirely embrrassed. Nana sought British help from

Bombay but he was unable to get the same, as Boddam, the

Governor of Bombay showed scant response. Mahadaji Sindia

harped on the treaty of Salbye which obliged the English to

enter into hostilities with Tipu, whenever the later should

break the peace with the Peshwa. Nana sent Tukoji Holkar

and the Bhosale of Nagpur and wrote frantic appears to Nizam

Ali. Nana and Nizam met at Yadgir to discuss the strategy

of war to be conducted on Tipu. 16 At last Macperson had

agreed to assist the Marathas in their venture. Marathas

began to make brisk preparations for their struggle against

Tipu. In this agression Nana, with much difficulty cou/
 80

obtain Madhoji Bhosalete co-operation. Nanet after obtaining

assistance from their allies he wished to meet Nizam Ali at

Yadgir, accordingly he met him on 15th Feburary,1786.

The meeting between Nizam and nana took different

turn when Nana appointed Haripant Phadake as commandar and

wished to return to Poona. This naturally provoked ire to

Nizam Ali. Any way this meeting ended with the decision

that both parties should attack Tipu separately among

17 .
themselves. It was curious indeed that, it was the Nizam

and not Nana who left the camp in the month of April by
18
leaving the command of his forces under Tahawar Jung.

At last the much awaited march left Yadgir about the

middle of March and moved on to Badami by the Eastern route;

while the Maratha captain Behere moved by the Western

direction, via Kittur and Belgaum accompained by Tukoji

Holkar. As mentioned above Nana returned to Poona and the

Maratha forces were moving on to Gajendragad and captured

19
the fort on 8th June.

Tipu was upset with all these activities and made up

his mind to take revenge upon the Marathas. In this regard

Tipu came with heavy artillery and made an attempt to
capture Adoni, a strong post of Nizam Ali and captured it
20
after severe fighting at the end of June.
 81

In this battle Haripant and Patwardhans were

severally handled by Tipu to such an extent that they had to

recross Tungabhadra to save themselves. Tipu demolished

Adoni and its fortification. After this Savanur was the

next victim of Tipu. He reduced in the teeth of strongest

Maratha opposition. Tipu defeated the high Maratha force

numbering around (75000) seventy five thousand.2^

Tipu seduced Tukoji Holkar and other Maratha chief's

with large bribes and Nana was glad to end hostilities in

1787 when Tipu agreed to pay arrears of tribute and cede

Badami, Nargund and Kittur. Persian document gives

information regarding the above described things. According

to the wishes of Nana, the fort of Badami was captured by

the army, Malet and Nana returned to Poona and Khandoji

Bhosala arrived to help with his

*
supporters. After this

Fateh Ali Khan move towards Adoni and got the fort, and
22
crossed the river Tungabhadra.

In this regard Sri.Sardesai observed that on 2nd

October,1786 Tipu made a surprise attack on Haripant who

fortunately saved himself from a dreadful fate. Tipu used

all kinds of tricks after knowing the enemies weakness and
23
took advantage of them. Tipu deluded the Marathas by

constantly keeping up a show of negotiations for peace.When

we review the reason behind Tipu's success, we came to know

Tipu's diplomacy, as Hatalkar observed that, in this

aggression, Tipu entered into an agreement, with French

army, Nana Phadnis had received reports from his agents

that, Tipu by paying fourty lakhs rupees for an alliance with

the French and had four thousand soldiers and ten thousand
siphahis ready to march to his assistance.24

After along efforts peace treaty was signed in early

1787 at Gajendragad with the following main provisions.

The arrears of tribute amounting to sixty lakhs were

reduced to forty eight lakhs and Tipu should pay thirty two

lakhs immediately and remaining sixteen lakhs in six months.

Next Badami, Nargund and Kittur should returned to the

Marathas and Adoni to Nizam Ali. Further Savanur should be

restored to the Nawab under Maratha control. Finally, all

prisoners of war should be released,^ on the other hand

British residents at Hyderabad and Poona were instructed to

start negotiations for an alliance directed against Tipu.

In this regard a letter from Cornwallis communicates certain

directions to Malet on the subject of securing co-operation

26
of the Marathas in the war against Tipu. Nana Phadnis

after much reluctance joined the alliance. Another one

letter which says about Marathas willingness to join it,

"Malet expresses his joy at the official declaration made by

Poona court of its readyness to participate in the war

 83

against. Tipu. 27 When Britishers made up their mind to

destroy Tipu once for all they formed an alliance with the

Marathas and Nizam. However, all the sincere efforts of

Tipu Sultan to avoid war with the English and their allias

proved futile and thus he was forcibly brought to the battle

9 ft
field by all of them.

After forming a tripple alliance with Marathas and

the Nizam, Lord Cornwalis himself, assuming the command of

allied forces and attacked Bangalore and defeated Tipu

29
Sultan at Ankere in 1790 A.D.

In the course of war the allied forces were put into

trouble due to shortage of arms and annuniations and food.

This made serious concern to Lord Cornwalis. Fortunately,

Marathas saved this grim situation by supplying arms and

ammunitions. This help made them (allied forces) to

continue the war, and finally Tipu entered into treaty with
30
Englishers. This battle is historically referred to as

Third Anglo Mysore war. This war ended with treaty of

Srirangapatnam. According to this treaty Tipu had to pay

rupees three crores and thrity lakhs to company as war

indemnity and to surrender his two sons, Abdul Khaliq

Sultan and Muizzud-din.

Let us look back into the causes of the defeat of

Tipu Sultan. According to Lord Cornwalis, "The troops of

 (
84

Tipu Sultan were the best in the world, for they were doing
31
something to harass their enemies. Sxr Thomas Munro

giving the main reason of the Sultan's defeat says,

"Cornwalis could not

have reduced Tipu without the
32
assistance of the Marathas" . In the light of the above

two statements it becomes clear that the main cause of the

defeat of Tipu was the military alliance of the Marathas and

the Nizam with the Britishers.

The above activities of the Marathas clearly indicate

that Tipu becomes enemy to the Marathas, who joined hands

with Britishers instead of fighting against them

(Britishers) hence, Mysore-Maratha relations worsened.

It is surprising to note that in the year 1792

rumours were spread that Marathas began to entertain soft

attitude towards Tipu. Further the Marathas underwent

coaliation with Tipu and Nizam against the British. The

Britishers came to know this and timely interference brought

Marathas on to their side. This was done by cleaver General

Wellesley.

Tipu missed the opportunity of improving his

relations with the Marathas. For this Britishers stood as

obstacle. Tipu wanted to keep away the Peshwa from the

Anglo-Mysore affiars. But his efforts were became vain

before the diplomacy of Britishers. In this connection it

is deserving to mention that Nana, often warned Peshwa

regarding the rising power of Britishers, as their relations

with Britishers were frustrated after the third Anglo-Mysore

war in 1792.

One more thing that draw our attention in the

changing political order of the Maratha state was that,

Bajirao-II becomes Peshwa in the year 1796. He remained

the contraversial figure in the rift between him and Nana

Phadnis.

Wellesly being a high standard diplomat, immediately

on assuming charge of his office he put before himself three

main tasks, (1) destruction of Tipu Sultan, (2) dissolution

of Nizam Ali's French crops, replacing it by an English

force and (3) the control of the Maratha Government of Poona

by driving Daulautrao Sindia to his Northern sphere where he

was to be weakned by Zaman Shah. The Afghan king then

. . 33
trying to invade India.

When Wellesly assumed the charge of the company

circumstances were favourable to the Britishers to finish

Tipu. In support to this they had an advantage of the death

of French General Raymond at Hyderabad. This smoothned the

way of replace, French officers by Englishers, Wellesly did

so. Thiseasy victory made Wellesly more confident and be

projected trial strength with Tipu Sultan. 34

 8G

Meanwhile, Bajirao received a special letter from

Wellesly on 1st November,

requesting Maratha armies to
35
proceed to the war against Mysore. The Peshwa agreed and

replied to him that, he would send his troops in two mnths

for Mysore.

Tipu Sultan ocame to know this, and sent his

ambassadors Ahamadkhan and Fakhur-ud-din. They arrived at

Poona towards the end of December,1788 requesting the

Peshw's help against the British Tipu's ambasadors were

treated with great cordiality and ceremony, and Peshwa

received thirteen lakh rupees from Tipu's ambassadors

British resident Palmer strongly protested against this and

reported to the General, Palmer wrote a letter to Governor

General that, Peshwa entertained Tipu's vakils to his court

36
for the help. With the interference of Wellesly spoiled

Tipu's plan an Wellesly purchased Marathas on his side.

Thus Tipu became alone.

Here we can clearly see the attitude of Marathas

towards Mysore. Peshwa could have discarded the Wellesly's

pressure and could remain nutural. But he did not do so,

Marathas did not realise their mistake by joining hands with

the English and the relationship between Mysore and the

Marathas worsened.

While reviewing Nana Phadnis's role in this affair,

 87

we can rightly say, he remained neutral. He left the

decision of participation of Marathas in the war against

Tipu, entirely to Peshwa. Nana being insecure position he

kept quite and made up his mind not to involve in this

important affair.

On the other hand Tipu Sultan tried to obtain

maximum help from the French Government. In this connection

he had a regular correspondence with French Government,

right from 1797 at Mauritius. He sent his ambassadors to

seek the help. He sent them with a letter to the executory

Diectory. In that letter he clearly narrated his position

that 'The English, jealous of the connection and friendship

which for a long time reighed between my Sarkar and France,

have united themselves to the Marathas, to the Nizam Ali

Khan and to my other enemies, for the purpose of declaring

war against me. 37 Tipu along with this, requested to send

ten or fifteen
thousand troops, consisting of infantry,

cavalry and artillery. 38 Tipu failed to get the French

help in view of Nepolean's defeat against British. All his

plans were spoiled. Tipu was not disappointed, he sent his

emissary to sultan Jamansha, but Lord Wellesly came to know

this and avoided the source of help to Tipu from any
directions and made him isolated.

As a last attempt to avoid war, Tipu expressed the

 88

the desire for peace conference. Tipu wrote a letter to

E.Mornington in December,1798 stating his firm resolution to

conform to the treaties and engagement subsisting between

the allies and himself and to the dictates of peace and

friendship. This was not successful, as Britishers

demanded to give-up friendship with French, but Tipu

i

rejected it. Thus the road for the battle was clear.

Britishers remained their allied forces to march as

early as possible, but the Peshwa though aparty in alliance

with English and the Nizam however, did not dispatch his
forces intentionally against Tipu Sultan. 40 On 5th

March,1799 the companies forces from all directions marched

towards Srirangapatnam. As Bowring obseved that, "General

Harris was able to proceed with his siege operation the army
41
taking up its position on 7th April,1799".

General Harris arrived at Malavalli near

Srirangapatna, where Tipu's army put resistance but his army

was defeated after capturing Malavalli and Siddeshwara by

Britishers. General Harris heading towards Srirangapatna

and captured on 4th May,1799. At last a decisive battle was

held on 4th May, 1799. In this Tipu,
the last defender of
42
Mysore died after fighting like a tiger. News of the

fall of Srirangapatn and the death of Tipu is communicated

43
to Governor General Harris. It was a strange coincidence
 83

or destiny that he had to die on the same day and month of

his coronation (4th May,1783).

After the death of Tipu Sultan, Mysore kingdom was

divided into four, English enjoyed a lion's share by

restoring Mysore Raja to the throne (Krishnaraja Wodeyar-III)

rest of the territories were shared by their allies viz,

Marathas and Nizam Ali, North of Karnataka and North East

respectively.

Thus, with the death of Tipu the relationship between

the Mysore and Marathas was far away from friendship and

hereafter they had no opportunities of having friendship

with them as Britishers stood as obstacles. And the Mysore-

Maratha relations throughout the 18th Century were nothing

but hatred rather than friendship.

 30

NOTES

1. Saradesai G.S. : New History of the Marathas, Vol.III,

(Bombay,1948); p.186.

2. Dennes Forrest : Tiger of Mysore, The life and Death of

Tipu Sultan, (Bombay,1970); p.20.

3. Dhar G.N. : Authentic Memories of Tipu Sultan, (Delhi,

1979); p.l.

Dennes Forrest : Op.cit, p.20,

Saradesai G.S. : OP»cit, p.186.

6. Krishnarao & Keshav Bhat : Karnataka Itihasa Darshan,

(Bangalore,1970); p.553.

7. Sen S.N. : Marathas and the South Indian States.

The Maratha Supremacy, Vol.VIII, Mujumdar

R.C.(edited), (Bombay,1977); p.426.

8. Grant Duff • History of the Marathas, Vol.II, (Culcatta,

1921); p.154.

9. Sen S.N. Op.cit, p .427.

10. Grant Duff Op.cit,

11. Saradesai G.S. Op.cit, p.177.

12. Sen S.N. Op.cit, p.427.

13. Saradesai G.S. Op.cit, p.178.

14. Ibid,

15. Sen S.N. Op.cit, p.427, S.P.D.New Series, Vol.III,

Joshi P •M.(edited) (Bombay,1958); p.

16. Saradesai G.S. •

• Op.cit, p.179.
 91

17. Khare Aithasik Lekha Sangraha, Vol.VIII, Letter

29|66, (1784-1791), (Miraj , 1915);

18. Ibid, Letter Np.2975

19. Saradesai G.S. Op.cit, p.179.

2 0. Saran P.(edited) Persi n Documents, Vol.I, Letter No.31,

dated 9th May,1787 (Bombay,1966)

21. Saradesai G.S Op.cit,

22. Saran Op.cit, Letter No.28 dated 28th February,

1787.

23. Saradesai G.S. Op.cit, p.180.

24. Hatalkar V.G. French and Maratha Relations, (Bombay,1958),

p.248.

25. Saradesai G.S. Op.cit, p.181.

26. Ray N.B.(edited) Poona Residence Correspondence, Vol.III,

(Allie's War with Tipu Sultan,1790-93)

Letter No.60, Fort William, dated 27th

January,1790 (Bombay,1937); p.54.

27. Ibid, Letter No.65 dated Poona 8th February,1790,

p.69.

28. Kabir Kausar Secret Correspondence of Tipu Sultan, (New

Delhi,1980); p.14.

29. Ibid,

30. Ibid,

31. Ibid, p.16.

32. Ibid,
 02

33. Saradesai G.S. Op.cit, p.352.

34. Ibid/

35. Ibid/

36. Saradesai G.S. Poona Residence Correspondence, Vol.VI,

Letter No.183 & 191 dated 11th January,

1799 (Bombay,1939)i pp.302-315.

37. Dhar G.N. Op.cit, p.80.

38. Ibid, p.81.

39. Saradesai G.S. P.R.C., Vol.VI Letter No.193, which

received by E.Mornington on 28th December,

1798, p.319.

40. Kabir Kausar Op.cit, p.323.

41. Bowring Lewin B. Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan, (Delhi,1965);

p.195.

42. Kabir Kausar Op.cit, p.33.

43. Saradesai G.S. P.R.C., Vol.VI, Letter No.259 dated 4th

May,1799i p.