Third Anglo Mysore War-UPSC IAS General Studies Notes

The Third Anglo-Mysore War was a significant conflict in Indian history that took place between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore, ruled by Tipu Sultan. Here are some key points regarding the Third Anglo-Mysore War:

1. Background: The conflict was part of the larger struggle for dominance in southern India between the British East India Company and various Indian states. Mysore, under the leadership of Hyder Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan, emerged as a formidable power in the region.
2. Causes: The immediate cause of the Third Anglo-Mysore War was Tipu Sultan’s refusal to comply with the terms of the Treaty of Mangalore (1784), which ended the Second Anglo-Mysore War. Tipu Sultan resumed hostilities against the British, who saw him as a threat to their interests in southern India.
3. Course of the War: The war began in 1789 when the British East India Company, under the leadership of Governor-General Lord Cornwallis, launched a military campaign against Mysore. The British forces, supported by their allies, advanced into Mysorean territory and engaged in a series of battles and sieges.
4. Siege of Bangalore: One of the notable events of the war was the siege of Bangalore in March 1791. The British forces, after capturing several Mysorean forts and territories, laid siege to Bangalore, a key strategic city. The siege lasted for several weeks before the British eventually captured the city.
5. Tipu Sultan’s Resistance: Despite facing significant military setbacks, Tipu Sultan continued to resist the British advance. He adopted guerrilla tactics, fortified his strongholds, and sought support from other Indian rulers and European powers.
6. Treaty of Seringapatam: The decisive moment of the war came with the Siege of Seringapatam, the capital of Mysore, in 1799. The British forces, led by General George Harris, breached the fortifications of Seringapatam and stormed the city. Tipu Sultan fought bravely but was ultimately killed in the battle.
7. Outcome: The Third Anglo-Mysore War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1799. As per the treaty, Mysore was dismembered, and large parts of its territory were annexed by the British East India Company. Tipu Sultan’s family members were taken as hostages, and a substantial indemnity was imposed on Mysore.
8. Impact: The defeat of Tipu Sultan and the annexation of Mysore further strengthened British control over southern India. It marked the beginning of the end of indigenous Indian powers challenging British supremacy in the region.

The Third Anglo-Mysore War is a significant event in Indian history as it contributed to the expansion of British colonial rule in India and the consolidation of British power in the subcontinent.