Tipu Sahib

Tipu Sahib (1749-1799), Muslim ruler of Mysore, the son and successor of Haidar Ali. He fought in his father's campaigns against the British and after Haidar's death in 1782 continued his war to a successful conclusion. A peace made in 1784, however, was only temporary; five years later war broke out again. The nizam of Hyderābād and the Marathas sided with the British, and despite valorous defense Tipu was overcome by the odds; he was forced to give up half his dominions and pay heavy indemnities. Not reconciled, he began to look for new allies, but the British preempted him and in a tripartite alliance with the nizam and the Marathas marched on his capital, Seringapatam, in 1799. Tipu fell defending the city. His name sometimes appears as Tipu Sultan.