Tipu Sultan: A Revolutionary Leader, Freedom Fighter, and a Symbol of Modern Contention.

He is one of the earliest Indian rulers known to employ rocketry in warfare. His engineers designed ironcased rockets that were effectively used against the British during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. The rockets, which were remarkable by the standards of their day, later influenced similar experiments in Europe.

Aside from military innovations, Tipu brought about many economic and agricultural reforms. He promoted silk cultivation, thus increasing Mysore's trading economy. His support of agriculture saw the introduction of new crops like sugarcane and mulberry. Tipu's land revenue systems secured economic success, making Mysore a great power in south India.

In diplomatic terms, he aligned himself with France, Iran, and the Ottoman Empire, showing the need for global cooperation against British imperialism. This forward-thinking spirit highlights his strategic genius and understanding of international dynamics. Tipu Sultan's resistance of the British East India Company made him one of India's earliest freedom fighters. His leadership during the Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767–1799) was instrumental in halting British expansion in the subcontinent.

Tipu encountered severe challenges during the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1789–1792) but showed great resilience. The Treaty of Seringapatam forced him to cede land, but he continued planning for the inevitable conflict with the British. During the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799), he strongly defended his kingdom but was killed in action during the siege of Seringapatam on May 4, 1799. His maxim, "It is better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep," manifests his brave nature and defiance.

A Contested Legacy

While Tipu Sultan is celebrated for his struggle against colonialism and his role in the economic prosperity of Mysore, there are issues with his legacy as well. Critics point to his military campaigns in regions such as Malabar, Coorg, and Mangalore, when he supposedly conducted forced conversions and destroyed temples. Supporters, on the other hand, point to his secular efforts, including his donations to Hindu temples such as the Sringeri Sharada Peetham and the Nanjanagudu Temple. This ambivalence makes Tipu a complex historical personality, whose existence cannot be simply characterized as exclusively heroic or tyrannical. The Role of Media in the Perception of Tipu Sultan In present-day India, several media have been instrumental in shaping and polarizing public views regarding Tipu Sultan.

The Secular and left-leaning media often describe Tipu Sultan's resistance to British colonialism. They portray him as a revolutionary leader who promoted innovation, economic change, and India's independence movement. These accounts stress his work on rocketry, Mysore's silk industry, and his strategic alliances in resistance to imperial powers, whereas the Right-wing media often spotlight Tipu's military efforts and purported religious intolerance, especially in areas where he encountered resistance. His actions are presented as proof of his bias towards his faith, often ignoring the complexities of 18th-century geopolitical scenarios and the realities of territorial conflicts.

In order to appeal to audiences, many media accounts of Tipu Sultan's legacy reduce him to an ideal hero or a ruthless tyrant. This simplistic view heightens polarizations and prevents an in-depth examination of his life and rule.

Tipu Sultan's legacy requires a balanced portrayal beyond ideological polarizations. A multifaceted approach would consider the following aspects which includes Tipu's progress in technology, governance, and diplomacy should be acknowledged. His efforts in India's resistance against colonial rule position him among the nation’s most important historical figures.

Nonetheless certain actions and decisions made by Tipu Sultan are considered to be controversial, as most of them have had to be read in the context of his time. Territorial wars and religious policies were common among 18th-century rulers. His positive as well as controversial policies should be read from historical facts instead of political prejudice.

Politicization of Tipu's legacy for the sake of elections taints its historical accuracy. Objective assessments should take precedence over sensationalized reports in media and public discourse. Apart from his military campaigns, Tipu's diplomatic acumen, economic reforms, and emphasis on innovation make him a personality of continuing importance. These aspects need to be at the forefront of debate regarding his legacy. The name of Tipu Sultan is often mentioned in modern-day political parlance, particularly in Karnataka, as his legacy has become a polarizing poll issue. Tipu Jayanti and other state celebrations commemorating his achievements emphasize his historical role but also trigger debates that generally favor specific political positions.

The media stands the chance of reducing a multi-dimensional historical figure into a mere symbol of modern politics by propagating polarization. Rather, it should propagate reasonable debate that acknowledges both his achievements and failures to promote a better understanding of Tipu's role in Indian history. Tipu Sultan's life is a complex weave with threads of complexity, foresight, and defiance.

Not merely a king, but a figure of revolt, unflinching in the face of colonial overreach, Tipu Sultan steered his times through their political turmoil and imperial expansion. Tipu has left behind a legacy that is controversial and intriguing as he was a reformist king, a fearless tactician, and a man out of time. The nuance of his struggle and the sincerity of his quest for independent Mysore are too sophisticated to get obscured if his legacy is narrowed down to an argument. His steadfast defiance of foreign control and his efforts to fortify his kingdom defensively, economically, and technologically disclose a commander who entertained visions of an independent, modern Indian nation well before they became national fact. Tipu Sultan's legacy must be employed as a prism through which we examine courage, conviction, and unity, not as a wedge to drive a gulf in the current fractured conversation. Honest and nuanced recounting of his life moves beyond religious and political binaries and acts as a reminder that history is written in conscience, not stone. To remember him is to understand, not to idolize. It is to embrace him for what he is—weaknesses, strengths, human beings—and allow that reflection to foster empathy and critical thought. At its best, history tells not only what occurred but shapes the tale of who we choose to become.

Arsalan Zahir Khan is pursuing Electrical Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Edited by Arslaan Beg.