The Kingdom of Mysore was very powerful. This kingdom became very prosperous under Hyder Ali and military power of the state was also increased to a great extent. The British made an alliance with the enemies of Hyder Ali—Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad, to suppress the increasing power of Mysore. This was unbearable for Hyder Ali.
That’s why he declared war against the Britishers:
1. First war of Mysore: This war started between Hyder Ali and the British in 1767 and fought till 1769 A.D. Hyder Ali reached till Madras in this war. Then in 1769 A.D. one defensive treaty took place between both the parties. Conquered areas of both the parties were given back to each other.
2. Second War of Mysore: Hyder Ali also showed a great courage in the second war of Mysore (1780—84). But he was defeated at Portonona because he was unable to get expected help from the French. Hyder Ali died in 1782 A.D. and Tipu Sultan carried on the war. Later on, according to the treaty of Mangalore in 1784 A.D., conquered areas of both the parties were given back to each other.
Tipu Sultan
3. Third War of Mysore: In third war of Mysore (1790-92 A.D.), Tipu Sultan attacked on the British forces. But in the end he was defeated by Lord Cornwallis. According to the treaty of Srirangapattnam, half of the kingdom of Tipu Sultan was taken away by the British and Tipu Sultan was also forced to give? 3 crore as a compensation of war to the British
4. Fourth War of Mysore: Tipu Sultan died (1799 A.D.) in fourth war of Mysore while saving his capital. After his death, some area of his kingdom was given to old Mysore dynasty, some area was given to Nizam and some area was taken away by the British.
In this way, the power of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan was completely destroyed by the British.
