Introduction
The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784) was fought between Mysore (led by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan) and the British East India Company. It was triggered by British betrayal of the Treaty of Madras (1769). The war ended with the Treaty of Mangalore (1784), restoring all captured territories.
Causes of the Second Anglo-Mysore War
1️⃣ British Betrayal of the Treaty of Madras (1769)
- The Treaty of Madras (signed after the First Anglo-Mysore War) stated that Mysore and the British would help each other in case of an attack.
- In 1771, the Marathas attacked Mysore, but the British did not help Hyder Ali, breaking their promise.
2️⃣ British Capture of Mahe (French Territory in Mysore, 1779)
- Mahe was a French-controlled port on the Malabar Coast, under Hyder Ali’s protection.
- The British captured Mahe, angering Hyder Ali, as he saw it as an attack on Mysore.
3️⃣ Formation of an Anti-British Alliance (Mysore, Marathas, and Hyderabad)
- Hyder Ali formed an alliance with the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad against the British.
- This created a strong opposition to British expansion in South India.
4️⃣ British Expansionist Policies
- The British were trying to increase their control over South India, which threatened Hyder Ali’s power.
- The conflict was inevitable due to British ambitions.
Major Events of the Second Anglo-Mysore War
1️⃣ Hyder Ali’s Early Success (1780-1781)
- Hyder Ali launched a massive attack on the British territories in Madras (now Chennai).
- He captured Arcot and defeated the British at Pollilur (1780).
- This was one of the worst defeats for the British in India.
2️⃣ British Counterattack (1781-1782)
- The British recovered and defeated Hyder Ali at Porto Novo (1781).
- They recaptured Arcot and other lost territories.
3️⃣ Death of Hyder Ali (1782)
- Hyder Ali died in December 1782 due to illness.
- His son, Tipu Sultan, continued the war against the British.
4️⃣ Tipu Sultan’s War Efforts (1782-1784)
- Tipu Sultan continued to fight the British in Karnataka and Kerala.
- He inflicted heavy losses on the British and forced them to negotiate.
Result – Treaty of Mangalore (1784)
✅ Restoration of Captured Territories
- Both sides agreed to return all captured lands.
✅ End of the War Without a Clear Winner
- Neither the British nor Mysore gained a significant advantage.
- Mysore remained a strong independent power.
✅ Recognition of Tipu Sultan’s Strength
- Tipu Sultan emerged as a major enemy of the British.
- He continued to fight against British expansion in future wars.
Significance of the Second Anglo-Mysore War
✅ British Suffered Heavy Losses – It proved that the British were not invincible in India.
✅ Tipu Sultan Became a Threat – Tipu Sultan replaced Hyder Ali as Mysore’s leader and continued resistance.
❌ Unstable Peace – The Treaty of Mangalore did not last long, leading to the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792).
❌ Increased Rivalry – The British saw Tipu Sultan as a major threat and planned to defeat him in future wars.
Objective Questions (MCQs)
- When did the Second Anglo-Mysore War take place?
a) 1767-1769
b) 1780-1784
c) 1790-1792
d) 1799-1800
✅ Answer: b) 1780-1784 - Who was the ruler of Mysore at the beginning of the Second Anglo-Mysore War?
a) Tipu Sultan
b) Hyder Ali
c) Lord Cornwallis
d) Nana Phadnavis
✅ Answer: b) Hyder Ali - Which battle marked a major British defeat in the Second Anglo-Mysore War?
a) Battle of Buxar
b) Battle of Plassey
c) Battle of Pollilur
d) Battle of Seringapatam
✅ Answer: c) Battle of Pollilur - Which treaty ended the Second Anglo-Mysore War?
a) Treaty of Salbai
b) Treaty of Madras
c) Treaty of Mangalore
d) Treaty of Bassein
✅ Answer: c) Treaty of Mangalore - Who continued the war after Hyder Ali’s death in 1782?
a) Lord Wellesley
b) Tipu Sultan
c) Nizam of Hyderabad
d) Peshwa Madhav Rao
✅ Answer: b) Tipu Sultan
Subjective Questions
- What were the causes of the Second Anglo-Mysore War?
- Describe the major battles and events of the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
- Discuss the significance of the Treaty of Mangalore (1784).
- How did Tipu Sultan continue the war after Hyder Ali’s death?
- What was the impact of the Second Anglo-Mysore War on British rule in India?
Conclusion
The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784) was a major conflict in British India, caused by British betrayal and territorial ambitions. Although Hyder Ali died during the war, Tipu Sultan emerged as a powerful leader, continuing his father’s resistance. The war ended in a stalemate, but tensions remained, leading to the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792).
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