Title: Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum
Author: Vikram Sampath
Pages: 984
Publisher: Vintage
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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 delves into 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.