Title: Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum by Vikram Sampath
Author: Vikram Sampath
Publisher: Penguin Random House India
Pages: 984
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The enigma of Tipu Sultan, a ruler whose contested legacy continues to divide opinion, is vividly brought to life in Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum (1760–1799). Through meticulous research, the book explores this eighteenth-century figure’s turbulent life and reign, unraveling the layers of his personality and political strategy. Though marked by privilege rather than struggle, Tipu’s rise is framed against the backdrop of his father Haidar Ali’s audacious exploits that reshaped Mysore’s fortunes. The narrative captures the dramatic transformation of Mysore into a formidable power under Haidar’s astute leadership and Tipu’s subsequent efforts to carry forward his father’s legacy, albeit with starkly different methods and outcomes.

While celebrating Tipu’s military prowess and administrative capabilities, the book does not shy away from exposing his darker side. His campaigns of conquest, particularly in Malabar, Mangalore, and Coorg, left behind a troubling legacy of destruction, forced conversions, and religious intolerance, creating lasting scars in the collective memory of these regions. The author draws a sharp contrast between Haidar’s strategic diplomacy and Tipu’s often reckless, faith-driven decisions, which alienated significant sections of his subjects. This nuanced portrayal challenges simplistic glorification or vilification, instead painting Tipu as a multifaceted figure whose actions were both admirable and condemnable.

Ultimately, Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum emerges as a compelling account that situates its subject within the complexities of his era. It invites readers to grapple with the dichotomies of Tipu’s character: a valiant military leader whose ambition was matched by his polarizing policies. This authoritative work is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand not only Tipu Sultan but also the larger dynamics of power, politics, and identity in pre-colonial India.

About the Author:
VIKRAM SAMPATH, a Bangalore-based historian, is the author of ten acclaimed books, including Splendours of Royal Mysore: The Untold Story of the Wodeyars. His two-volume biography, Savarkar: Echoes from a Forgotten Past and Savarkar: A Contested Legacy, and his latest books, Bravehearts of Bharat: Vignettes from Indian History and Waiting for Shiva: Unearthing the Truth of Kashi’s Gyanvapi, have all become national bestsellers.

In 2021, Vikram was elected a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Historical Society. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi’s first Yuva Puraskar in English literature and the ARSC International Award for Excellence in Historical Research in New York for his book My Name Is Gauhar Jaan: The Life and Times of a Musician. Vikram was among four writers and artists selected as writers-in-residence at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2015.

He holds a doctorate in history and music from the University of Queensland, Australia, and was a senior research fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi. He has also been a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, an Eisenhower Global Fellow, and a visiting fellow at the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin. Currently, he is an adjunct senior fellow at Monash University, Australia.

Vikram is the founder of the Archive of Indian Music (AIM) and the Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research (FIHCR).

Truth Be Told: Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum (1760–1799) by Vikram Sampath

Vikram Sampath’s Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum is a remarkable journey into the life of one of the most polarizing figures in Indian history. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Sampath unravels the complexities of Tipu Sultan—painting a portrait that is honest, nuanced, and thought-provoking.

Tipu Sultan’s story, as narrated in the book, is one of stark contrasts. His rise to power was accidental, built on the foundation laid by his father, Haidar Ali, who was a brilliant strategist and tactician. While Haidar brought the mighty British East India Company to its knees during the early Anglo-Mysore Wars, Tipu inherited a kingdom poised for greatness. However, his leadership was a blend of bold military campaigns and controversial decisions that left a lasting but divisive legacy.

Sampath does not sugarcoat Tipu’s flaws—his intolerance, forced conversions, and the destruction of religious sites are laid bare. Yet, the book also acknowledges his administrative acumen, military prowess, and his role as a formidable ruler of Southern India. This balance allows readers to see Tipu not as a perfect hero or a villain, but as a man shaped by the turbulence of his time.

What truly stands out in this book is Sampath’s ability to bring history alive. His vivid descriptions transport readers to the Mysore of the 18th century, where court intrigues, battlefields, and shifting alliances played a pivotal role in shaping events. The narrative is enriched by a depth of archival research that makes this account both credible and compelling.

The book also subtly connects Tipu’s legacy to contemporary debates, making it as relevant today as it was centuries ago. With Sampath’s impeccable credentials as a historian—backed by national and international accolades—this work stands out as an authoritative account of Mysore’s interregnum.

Why You Should Read It

• Balanced Perspective: A fair exploration of Tipu’s strengths and flaws, cutting through myths.
• Engaging Storytelling: Historical events come alive through vivid descriptions and detailed narratives.
• Meticulous Research: A treasure trove of well-researched information for history enthusiasts.

Final Verdict

Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum is more than a biography; it is a mirror to a complex era in Indian history. Vikram Sampath has created a masterpiece that challenges perceptions, invites debate, and leaves readers with a deeper understanding of Tipu Sultan’s life and times. A must-read for anyone interested in India’s rich and layered history.