Anglo-Mysore Wars: Key Events and Consequences
Presented by Richard, Jessica, and Kelly
The First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-69)
Cause: - British Territorial Expansion: The British East India Company (BEIC) sought control over Northern Circars, causing tension with the Nizam of Hyderabad and Hyder Ali of Mysore. - Hyder Ali’s Discontent: British rejected his offers for an alliance and favored the Nizam, leading to growing tensions.
Course: - Initial Conflicts: The war began when Marathas invaded Mysore, but Hyder Ali soon managed to break alliances between the British, Marathas, and the Nizam. - Key Battles: After early losses, Hyder Ali launched a counter-offensive, marching on Madras and forcing the British to sue for peace.
Outcome: - Treaty of Madras (1769): Both sides returned captured territories, and a mutual defense agreement was established.
The Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-84)
Cause: - Hyder Ali attacked British territories after the British failed to provide promised support during the Maratha-Mysore conflict.
Course: - Surprise Attack: Hyder Ali’s forces overran much of the Carnatic region, defeating the British at the Battle of Pollilur. - Leadership Shift: Hyder Ali died in 1782, and his son, Tipu Sultan, continued the war.
Outcome: - Treaty of Mangalore (1784): Both sides returned territories and prisoners, though tensions remained high.
The Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-92)
Cause: - Tipu Sultan’s expansionist policies and his alliance with France worried the British, leading to conflict.
Course: - Siege of Srirangapatam: Tipu was forced to surrender after British forces, led by Cornwallis, attacked Mysore from multiple sides.
Outcome: - Treaty of Seringapatam (1792): Tipu ceded significant territories and paid reparations, weakening Mysore.
The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1798-99)
Cause: - Tipu Sultan’s continued French alliance and refusal to sign the subsidiary alliance led to the final confrontation with the British.
Course: - Tipu’s Defeat: Mysore was attacked from all directions, and Tipu was killed during the siege of Srirangapatam in 1799.
Outcome: - Mysore became a British-controlled princely state, with a puppet ruler installed, ending the independent Mysore kingdom.