Tipu Sultan Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Parent, Sons, Wives, Awards, Books

Tipu Sultan, often referred to as the “Tiger of Mysore,” was a military leader who rose to prominence in the late 18th century as a formidable ruler and army strategist in South India.

His resistance against British colonial forces and innovative use of rocket artillery in warfare distinguished him in the annals of Indian history.

As the Sultan of Mysore, his administrative reforms and commitment to his kingdom’s sovereignty left a lasting impact on the region’s political landscape.

Profile

• Full name: Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu
• Nickname: Tiger of Mysore
• Date of birth: December 1, 1751
• Age at death: 47 years
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Devanahalli, Kingdom of Mysore (present-day Karnataka, India)
• State of origin: Karnataka
• Nationality: Indian
• Profession: Ruler, Military Leader
• Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
• Parents: Hyder Ali (father), Fatima Fakhr-un-Nisa (mother)
• Siblings: Abdul Kareem (brother), Sultan Begum (sister)
• Spouse: Khadija Zaman Begum (among others)
• Children: At least 12 sons, including Shezada Hyder Ali, Ghulam Muhammad Sultan Sahib, Abdul Khaliq Khan Sultan, Munir-ud-din Khan Sultan, Hashmath Ali Khan Sultan, Muhammad Nizam-ud-din Khan Sultan, Muhammad Shukrullah Khan Sultan, Muhammad Yasin Khan Sultan, Muhammad Jamal-ud-din Khan Sultan, Subhan, Shukr-ullah, and Ghulam Ahmad
• Religion: Sunni Islam
• Net worth: $100 million (in today’s world)

Early Life and Education

Tipu Sultan was born on December 1, 1751, in Devanahalli, in the Kingdom of Mysore. His father, Hyder Ali, was a prominent military commander who later became the de facto ruler of Mysore. His mother was Fatima Fakhr-un-Nisa. Tipu received an extensive education, studying subjects such as Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Kannada.

He was also trained in Islamic jurisprudence, military tactics, and various physical disciplines, including swordsmanship and horsemanship. Under the guidance of French military officers allied with his father, Tipu gained practical experience in warfare and governance from a young age.

Personal Life

Tipu Sultan had multiple wives, including Khadija Zaman Begum, whom he married around 1795 or 1796. He had at least 12 sons, including Shezada Hyder Ali, Ghulam Muhammad Sultan Sahib, Abdul Khaliq Khan Sultan, Munir-ud-din Khan Sultan, Hashmath Ali Khan Sultan, Muhammad Nizam-ud-din Khan Sultan, Muhammad Shukrullah Khan Sultan, Muhammad Yasin Khan Sultan, Muhammad Jamal-ud-din Khan Sultan, Subhan, Shukr-ullah, and Ghulam Ahmad.  

Career

Tipu Sultan’s military career began under the tutelage of his father, Hyder Ali. He played significant roles in various conflicts, including battles against the Marathas and the British East India Company.

Upon Hyder Ali’s death in 1782, Tipu ascended to the throne of Mysore. As Sultan, he implemented administrative reforms, introduced new coinage, and sought to modernize his army.

He is particularly noted for his innovative use of rocket artillery in warfare. Tipu engaged in several Anglo-Mysore Wars, striving to resist British expansion in India. His alliances with foreign powers, including the French, were part of his broader strategy to counter British influence.

Awards

Tipu Sultan instituted a system of medals and honors to recognize the service of his soldiers and officials. These awards, reflecting Deccan jewelry traditions, were documented in manuscripts such as the “Risala-i-Padakah.” Some of these medals were later plundered during the British conquest of Seringapatam.

Net Worth

As a monarch in the 18th century, Tipu Sultan’s wealth was tied to the resources and revenues of the Kingdom of Mysore. In today’s world, he would be worth around $100 million. His treasury included valuable items, and his assets were significant enough to attract attention during and after the British conquest.

Death

Tipu Sultan died on May 4, 1799, during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. He was killed while defending his capital, Seringapatam, against British forces. His death marked the end of significant resistance to British expansion in southern India.

Controversy

Tipu Sultan’s legacy is a subject of ongoing debate and controversy. While he is celebrated by many for his resistance against British colonialism and efforts to modernize his kingdom, others criticize his policies towards specific communities. Some accounts suggest that he enforced conversions to Islam and took repressive actions against dissenting groups.

These differing perspectives have led to polarized views of his rule, with some viewing him as a freedom fighter and others as a tyrant. The political use of his image in contemporary times has further fueled these debates, reflecting the complexities of interpreting historical figures.

Social Media

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Books

• The Dreams of Tipu Sultan
• Tiger: The Life of Tipu Sultan
• A History of Tipu Sultan