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Warrior Hero or Religious Bigot? Why Tipu continues to be a divisive figure

  •   Sun, Feb 19 2023 01:16:51 PM

By M.K. Ashoka

Bengaluru, Feb 19 (IANS): With an eye on the upcoming Assembly elections in Karnataka, the ruling BJP is mounting attacks on 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan. The government is highlighting the narrative of Tipu Sultan being a religious bigot.

Bharatiya Janata Party Karnataka state president Nalin Kumar Kateel has openly stated that there is no place for followers of Tipu Sultan in Karnataka.

History, however, remains divided on whether Tipu Sultan, who is called the Lion of Mysuru, who fought the British bravely and was martyred was a religious bigot. The Siddaramaiah led Congress government started celebrating Tipu Jayanti and made it a government programme.

The B.S. Yediyurappa-led BJP government banned the celebration of Tipu Jayanti. BJP leaders have launched fierce attacks on Tipu Sultan and till date the debate continues.

C.T. Manjunath, BJP spokesperson and Hindu activist, says that during Tipu's administration, 1,200 Persian words were forcefully inducted into the Kannada language. He captured 70,000 Kodavas in Devattu Parambu and converted them to Islam. The gifts given to Hindu temples were just to appease Hindus.

"He openly sold Hindu girls in Lal Mahal, present in Srirangapatna," says Manjunath. "He forced Hindus to conduct the 'Salaam Aarti' in Hindu temples. The jaziya (tax on Hindus during Mughal rule to practice Hindu religion) was imposed. In one of his swords it is written that his sword will rise on infidels who do not accept Islam and it is also written that his sword will shine in the blood of Hindus."

When asked whether the statements against Tipu Sultan are made to polarize Hindu voters in the region, Manjunath said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that we should have no hatred towards Muslims. The whole world is appreciating how India led by PM Modi extended a helping hand to Turkey. The people will understand what the BJP is trying to communicate. Now, they know what Tipu Sultan did to Hindus, he added.

Theatre personality and author of controversial book 'Tippuvina Nija Kanasugalu' (Real Dreams of Tipu) Addanda Cariyappa maintains that Tipu was not killed by the British but by Vokkaliga chieftains Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda. His book was staged as a play and stirred a controversy leading to police protection. Addanda Cariyappa had announced that the play will have 100 shows in different cities of Karnataka.

BJP MLC H. Vishwanath, who is set to join the Congress, however, stated that Tipu was a proud Kannada warrior who did not surrender to colonial forces. Tipu waged a war against them and was martyred. When monarchs of the country surrendered to the British, Tipu rebelled and defied their orders.

He said Tipu died on the battlefield defending his motherland. He underlined that Tipu was and will continue to be the Tiger of Mysuru. Vishwanath slammed the BJP government and urged to continue ‘Salaam Aarti' rituals in temples.
  

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Comment on this article

  • Don, Mangalore

    Mon, Feb 20 2023

    "History, however, remains divided on whether Tipu Sultan, who is called the Lion of Mysuru, who fought the British bravely and was martyred was a religious bigot". If Tipu is being portrayed by those historian then they should also explain the following: 1. Why did Tipu write to the king of Afghanistan - Zaman Shah asking him to invade India and they could divide the spoils. Is that a Patriot? 2. When that failed why did he write to the caliphate in Turkey telling them to send their armies as it was time to Islamize Hindu India. The Moghul rule didn't do it and they are on their way out. The British were just settling down trying to consolidate their power and it was and ideal time to take over the entire country. Does this sound like a Patriot.? 3. When all of the above failed to materialize he licked the boots of the French and formed alliances with them to fight the British. What! Both the French & British are Europeans. Is this a Patriot? 4. Tipu fought with each and everyone. a,) He bottled up the rulers of Mysore in their Palaces. b) He fought with Shivaji a true patriot. c) He fought the Hindu Kings of Travancore. d) He fought with the Nizam of Hyderabad. e) He also fought the British f) He massacred and forcibly converted hundred of thousands of Hindus in Kerala. g) He massacred and forcibly converted the Kodavas of Coorg h) He massacred and forcibly converted the Christians of Mangalore. My Great grand mother had met and heard from her great grand mother who spent 15 years in captivity. What could be more authentic, than hearing stories straight from the horses mouth i) Around 1783-1795 Tipu slaughtered 800 Mandyam Iyengar Brahmins of Melkote just before Diwali, hence these Brahmins never celebrate Diwali. This is just the very small tip of the iceberg, there have been scores of books and genuine authors on this tyrant who declared a "JIHAD" against the people of India, Can such a traitor and a butcher every be considered a Patriot

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