Anglo-Mysore Wars: Reasons, Duration, and Treaties

The Anglo-Mysore Wars were a series of four intense battles fought in the 18th century between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company . These wars were significant in shaping the political landscape of southern India and marked a crucial chapter in the history of British colonialism.

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Why Was Anglo-Mysore War Fought?

• Rivalry Over Trade: Mysore controlled important spice trade routes along the Malabar Coast, which was a valuable region for the British.
• Alliance with the French: Mysore's close relationship with France raised alarms for the British, who were keen on maintaining control over India.
• Territorial Disputes: Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were ambitious rulers who sought to expand Mysore’s territory.
• Breach of Treaties: Both sides repeatedly violated treaties, further escalating the conflict. These breaches made it harder to resolve disputes peacefully .
• Strategic Locations: Mysore’s proximity to key trade routes and its strong military made it a valuable region for the British, who sought control to expand their influence in India.

Anglo Mysore Wars List

1st Anglo-Mysore War

• Hyder Ali's rise as the de facto ruler and territorial expansion created unease among neighbouring states.
• Mysore’s alliances with the French heightened British fears of losing their influence in Southern India.
• The British formed a coalition with the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas to counter Hyder Ali.

• Hyder Ali tactfully neutralised the Marathas and persuaded the Nizam to join him.
• He launched a surprise attack on Madras, forcing the British to negotiate.

• The war ended with the 1st Anglo-Mysore War Treaty, known as the Treaty of Madras (1769) .
• Both sides restored their captured territories and the British promised to support Mysore in case of external attacks.

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2nd Anglo-Mysore War

• The British violated the Treaty of Madras by not supporting Mysore during the Maratha attacks.
• Hyder Ali’s growing trade ties with the French at Mahe intensified British hostility.

• Hyder Ali formed alliances with the Marathas and the Nizam against the British.
• He captured Arcot and inflicted defeats on the British forces.
• After Hyder Ali’s death in 1782, Tipu Sultan continued the war with the same determination.

• The war concluded with the Treaty of Mangalore (1784) , the second Anglo-Mysore war treaty.
• While both sides returned to conquered territories, this treaty was important as it showed Mysore's strength in resisting British power.

3rd Anglo-Mysore War

• Tipu Sultan’s attack on Travancore, a British ally, triggered this war.
• His growing influence and efforts to strengthen ties with the French were viewed as a threat by the British.

• Tipu displayed strong resistance and defeated several British forces.
• However, the combined efforts of the British, Marathas, and the Nizam eventually weakened Mysore.

• The war ended with the third Anglo-Mysore War Treaty, the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792) .
• Tipu Sultan ceded nearly half of Mysore’s territory, paid a huge war indemnity, and gave two of his sons as hostages to the British.

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4th Anglo-Mysore War

• Tipu Sultan sought revenge for his earlier losses and strengthened alliances with the French.
• The British, under Lord Wellesley, adopted an aggressive policy to crush Mysore’s independence.

• The British, supported by the Nizam and the Marathas, launched a massive campaign.
• Tipu Sultan bravely defended Seringapatam but was ultimately killed in battle.

• Mysore became a British protectorate under the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War Treaty , with the Wodeyar dynasty reinstated under British control.
• The Subsidiary Alliance system ensured complete British dominance in the region.

Post Anglo-Mysore Wars

• Mysore was reduced to a princely state under the rule of the Wodeyar family, who had been the original rulers of the kingdom.
• The British consolidated their control over Southern India, removing French influence.
• The Subsidiary Alliance system strengthened British dominance, ensuring their supremacy across India.
• Tipu Sultan became a symbol of resistance and continues to be remembered for his courage and defiance against British colonial rule.