Modern History - All lessons

Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-92)

Causes and Background of the Third Anglo-Mysore War:

The Third Anglo-Mysore War, a consequential chapter in India's history, was marked by a complex interplay of geopolitical interests, territorial ambitions, and diplomatic tensions. Rooted in unresolved conflicts and power struggles, the war unfolded against a backdrop of rivalries and strategic maneuvers. The following factors and historical context shed light on the causes that propelled the outbreak of the Third Anglo-Mysore War:

1. Unresolved Conflicts After the Treaty of Mangalore:

   • The Treaty of Mangalore, signed in 1784, marked a temporary cessation of hostilities between Tipu Sultan and the British. However, the treaty did not provide a lasting resolution to the underlying conflicts and power struggles.

2. Quest for Political Supremacy:

   • Both Tipu Sultan and the British East India Company were driven by a common goal: establishing their own political supremacy over the Deccan region. This aspiration fueled tensions as each side sought to expand their territorial influence.

3. Trigger: Tipu Sultan's Attack on Travancore:

   • The spark that ignited the Third Anglo-Mysore War was Tipu Sultan's audacious attack on Travancore, a vital ally of the British. Travancore held a strategic position as the sole source of pepper for the East India Company.

4. Territorial Disputes and Violations:

   • Travancore's acquisition of Jalkottal and Cannanore from the Dutch in the Cochin state was viewed by Tipu Sultan as a violation of his sovereign rights. The Cochin state was a feudatory of Tipu, and Travancore's actions were perceived as encroachments on his dominion.

In summary, the Third Anglo-Mysore War emerged from a complex interplay of unresolved conflicts, territorial ambitions, and perceived violations of sovereignty. Tipu Sultan's attack on Travancore, coupled with the broader quest for political supremacy, set the stage for a conflict that would shape the course of events in the Deccan region.

Timeline and Course of the Third Anglo-Mysore War:

The Third Anglo-Mysore War was a pivotal conflict that reshaped the political landscape of southern India. It unfolded through a series of significant events, strategic maneuvers, and shifting alliances, culminating in the establishment of British supremacy in the region. The following timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the war's progression:

1. British Support for Travancore (1790):

   • The war was set in motion as the British aligned with Travancore against Mysore, marking the beginning of hostilities.
   • The Nizam and the Marathas, harboring jealousy towards Tipu Sultan's expanding power, allied with the British, intensifying the conflict.

2. Tipu Sultan's Initial Victory (1790-1791):

   • In 1790, Tipu Sultan achieved a significant victory by defeating the British army under General Meadows.
   • However, the tide of the war shifted as Lord Cornwallis assumed leadership of the British forces.

3. British Advance and Capturing Bangalore (1791):

   • Lord Cornwallis led a substantial British army through Ambur and Vellore to capture Bangalore in March 1791.
   • As British forces marched toward Seringapatam, they gained control over Coimbatore, although they subsequently lost it.

4. Second Siege of Seringapatam (1791-1792):

   • With the support of the Marathas and the Nizam, the British launched a second attack on Seringapatam.
   • Tipu Sultan offered fierce resistance, but the combined strength of the alliance was formidable.

5. Treaty of Seringapatam (1792):

   • The war concluded with the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792.
   • The treaty resulted in a significant territorial reshuffling: Baramahal, Dindigul, and Malabar came under British control, while the Marathas gained territories surrounding the Tungabhadra and its tributaries. The Nizam acquired areas extending from Krishna to beyond the Pennar.
   • Tipu Sultan was compelled to pay a war indemnity of three crore rupees, with half to be paid immediately and the remainder in installments.
   • As hostages, Tipu's two sons were taken by the British.

6. Impact and Legacy:

   • The Third Anglo-Mysore War decisively dismantled Tipu Sultan's dominant position in the south, solidifying British supremacy in the region.
   • The outcome of the war marked a turning point in the balance of power and paved the way for further British expansion in southern India.

In summary, the Third Anglo-Mysore War unfolded through a sequence of strategic decisions, battles, and negotiations, ultimately resulting in the Treaty of Seringapatam. This treaty redrew territorial boundaries, imposed financial penalties, and significantly altered the political landscape of southern India.