Introduction
The Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792) occurred between Mysore (led by Tipu Sultan) and the British East India Company. The British were allied with the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The war ended with the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792). In this treaty, Tipu Sultan lost half of his kingdom to the British and their allies.
Causes of the Third Anglo-Mysore War
1️⃣ Tipu Sultan’s Growing Power
- After the Second Anglo-Mysore War, Tipu Sultan was strengthening Mysore’s military and economy.
- He was seen as a major threat to British expansion in India.
2️⃣ Tipu Sultan’s Alliance with the French
- Tipu sought French support to modernize his army.
- The British saw this as a dangerous alliance, fearing French influence in India.
3️⃣ Tipu’s Attack on Travancore (1789)
- Travancore was a British ally, and Tipu attacked it in 1789.
- This gave the British an excuse to declare war on Mysore.
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 on Mysore, making the war more difficult for Tipu Sultan.
Major Events of the Third Anglo-Mysore War
1️⃣ British and Allies Attack Mysore (1790-1791)
- The British (led by Lord Cornwallis) advanced from Madras (Chennai).
- The Marathas attacked from the north, and the Nizam’s army attacked from the east.
2️⃣ Fall of Bangalore (1791)
- In March 1791, the British captured Bangalore, an important city in Mysore.
- This was a major setback for Tipu Sultan.
3️⃣ Siege of Seringapatam (1792)
- The British, Marathas, and Nizam surrounded Seringapatam, Tipu’s capital.
- Tipu fought bravely but was forced to negotiate for peace.
Result – Treaty of Seringapatam (1792)
✅ Tipu Sultan Lost Half of His Kingdom
- The British, Marathas, and Nizam each received territory from Mysore.
✅ Tipu Sultan Forced to Pay War Indemnity
- He had to pay ₹3.3 crore as war compensation.
✅ Tipu Sultan’s Sons Taken as Hostages
- The British took two of Tipu Sultan’s sons as hostages to ensure he followed the treaty.
Significance of the Third Anglo-Mysore War
✅ Tipu Sultan Weakened – Mysore lost half of its territory, reducing its strength.
✅ British Became Stronger – The British expanded their territory in South India.
❌ War Not Over Yet – Tipu Sultan continued to resist British rule, leading to the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799).
❌ British and Marathas Grew Closer – The Marathas and the Nizam helped the British, increasing British influence in India.
Objective Questions (MCQs)
- When did the Third Anglo-Mysore War take place?
a) 1767-1769
b) 1780-1784
c) 1790-1792
d) 1799-1800
✅ Answer: c) 1790-1792 - Who led Mysore during the Third Anglo-Mysore War?
a) Hyder Ali
b) Tipu Sultan
c) Lord Cornwallis
d) Nizam of Hyderabad
✅ Answer: b) Tipu Sultan - Which treaty ended the Third Anglo-Mysore War?
a) Treaty of Madras
b) Treaty of Mangalore
c) Treaty of Seringapatam
d) Treaty of Bassein
✅ Answer: c) Treaty of Seringapatam - Which city was captured by the British in 1791 during the war?
a) Seringapatam
b) Bangalore
c) Hyderabad
d) Arcot
✅ Answer: b) Bangalore - What was the major consequence of the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792)?
a) Mysore annexed British territories
b) Tipu Sultan surrendered half of his kingdom
c) The Marathas became British allies
d) The British left South India
✅ Answer: b) Tipu Sultan surrendered half of his kingdom
Subjective Questions
- What were the causes of the Third Anglo-Mysore War?
- Explain the major events and battles of the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
- Discuss the impact of the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792) on Mysore.
- How did Tipu Sultan resist British expansion even after this war?
- What role did the Marathas and the Nizam play in the Third Anglo-Mysore War?
Conclusion
The Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792) marked a significant weakening of Tipu Sultan’s power. He lost half of Mysore’s territory, but he continued to resist British rule. The war set the stage for the Fourth and final Anglo-Mysore War (1799), where Tipu Sultan would make his last stand.
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