Introduction
The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) was the final battle between Mysore and the British East India Company. Mysore was led by Tipu Sultan. The war ended with Tipu Sultan’s death and the complete annexation of Mysore by the British. This war marked the end of Mysore’s independence and the establishment of British dominance in South India.
Causes of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
1️⃣ Tipu Sultan’s Efforts to Regain Lost Territory
- After the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1792), Tipu Sultan lost half of his kingdom to the British, Marathas, and the Nizam.
- He wanted to regain his lost territory and remove British influence from Mysore.
2️⃣ Tipu Sultan’s Alliance with the French
- Tipu Sultan sought French help against the British.
- The British saw this as a major threat due to their ongoing conflict with France in Europe (Napoleonic Wars).
3️⃣ British Plan to Destroy Mysore
- The British, under Lord Wellesley, adopted the Subsidiary Alliance Policy, which forced Indian states to accept British control.
- Tipu refused to accept British dominance, making war inevitable.
4️⃣ Formation of a Strong British Alliance
- The British formed an alliance with the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad.
- This created a three-front attack against Mysore.
Major Events of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
1️⃣ British and Allies Invade Mysore (March 1799)
- The British forces, led by Lord Wellesley and General Harris, marched towards Seringapatam, the capital of Mysore.
- The Marathas and Nizam’s army attacked from the north and east.
2️⃣ Battle of Seringapatam (May 1799)
- The British besieged Seringapatam, surrounding the city.
- Tipu Sultan fought bravely but was heavily outnumbered.
3️⃣ Death of Tipu Sultan (4 May 1799)
- The British stormed Seringapatam and captured the fort.
- Tipu Sultan died fighting, refusing to surrender.
Result – British Take Over Mysore
✅ End of Mysore’s Independence
- Mysore was annexed by the British, making them the dominant power in South India.
✅ Tipu Sultan’s Family Exiled
- Tipu’s family was sent to Calcutta (Kolkata) as prisoners.
✅ Mysore Given to Wodeyar Dynasty
- The British restored the Wodeyar dynasty to the throne of Mysore as a puppet state.
✅ British Control Strengthened
- The Nizam of Hyderabad was rewarded with new territories for helping the British.
Significance of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
✅ End of Mysore as a Powerful Kingdom – Mysore no longer remained a threat to British rule in India.
✅ Tipu Sultan Became a Martyr – He was seen as a hero. He resisted British rule till his last breath.
✅ British Became the Supreme Power in South India – Mysore’s defeat left the British without major rivals in South India. They became the dominant power in the region.
❌ Start of British Expansion in India – The victory gave the British the confidence to expand their rule. They started to take over other Indian states.
Objective Questions (MCQs)
- When did the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War take place?
a) 1767-1769
b) 1780-1784
c) 1790-1792
d) 1799
✅ Answer: d) 1799 - Who was the ruler of Mysore during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War?
a) Hyder Ali
b) Tipu Sultan
c) Nizam of Hyderabad
d) Lord Cornwallis
✅ Answer: b) Tipu Sultan - Who led the British forces against Mysore in 1799?
a) Lord Cornwallis
b) Lord Wellesley
c) Robert Clive
d) Warren Hastings
✅ Answer: b) Lord Wellesley - What was the final battle of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War?
a) Battle of Plassey
b) Battle of Seringapatam
c) Battle of Buxar
d) Battle of Arcot
✅ Answer: b) Battle of Seringapatam - What happened to Tipu Sultan after the war?
a) He surrendered to the British
b) He was captured and taken to England
c) He was killed while defending Seringapatam
d) He was exiled to Hyderabad
✅ Answer: c) He was killed while defending Seringapatam
Subjective Questions
- What were the causes of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War?
- Describe the major events and battles of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
- Discuss the impact of the war on British expansion in India.
- What role did Tipu Sultan play in resisting British rule?
- Why is the Battle of Seringapatam (1799) considered a turning point in Indian history?
Conclusion
The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) was a decisive conflict. It led to the death of Tipu Sultan. It also marked the end of Mysore’s independence. With this victory, the British established complete dominance over South India, further expanding their rule in India.
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