Mysore's Anglo connection: BRITISH history in INDIA [PART 2]

The Wodeyar Maharaja, Chikka Devaraja (r. 1672- 1704), by allying himself with the Mughals succeeded in expanding the boundaries of his realm; Coimbatore in South, Chikmagalur and Tumkur in the north, Bangalore and Salem to the East and finally Hassan to west~ were now part of   🔗 THE KINGDOM OF MYSORE.

Despite that however, Mysore was landlocked, prompting Chikka Devaraja to meddle with the Kanara coastal region. This brought him in close conflict with the Nayaks of Ikkeri and Kodagu Rajas who ruled the Kanara coastal region between themselves. 

Around 1720's as The 🔗Mughal Empire  declined, Mysore restored a delicate balance of diplomacy and caution with their earlier Hindu rivals; namely, Marathas, Kodagu Rajas and Nayakas of Ikkeri. 

On account of  Krishnaraj Wodeyar I's excesses (r. 1714- 1732), the kingdom fell into the hands of the dalvoys (ministers), while the Wodeyars remained namesake Maharajas. With the ascension of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II (r. 1735- 1766), a dalvoy (commander-in-chief/ minister) named Hyder Ali took charge of the Kingdom of Mysore in 1761.  

TABLE OF CONTENT

The Carnatic Wars

1st Anglo-Mysore War

2nd Anglo-Mysore War

Mysore-Maratha Wars

3rd Anglo-Mysore War

4th Anglo-Mysore War

Mysore bears allegiance to Britain

Hyder Ali becomes the Sarvadhikari (de facto ruler) of Mysore

Hyder Ali's hatred for the British was evident, and so he allied with their sworn enemy; The French. During the 2nd Carnatic War, the Mysorean army undertook a Siege of Devanahalli in 1749, and wrested control of the fort from Muzaffar Jung. Hyder Ali was duly rewarded, and gained influence in the court of Mysore.  He subsequently assumed the title of Sarvadhikari in 1761 and became the self-styled Sultan of  Mysore.

Suggested Read 🔗British East India company history- PART 1. 

The Carnatic Wars: British gain an advantageous position over the French

Around the 18th century the Mughal Empire was in its final stage of decline. During this period 100s of Mughal territories formed their own autonomous princely states, one of them being THE CARNATIC. The British and French trading companies who were patronized by, and flourished on account of the Mughals were now at the crossroads. They were compelled to enter into trade agreements with the local nawabs/ princely states. However, due to bitter trade rivalry, each allied with those territories/ Nawabs who were not with the other. Eg: if British chose A and C, the French chose B and D. 

Map of Carnatic during the Carnatic Wars. The British and French trading companies fight with each other for a piece of the CARNATIC pie. 

The princely states on the other hand welcomed European influence; as it was  the source of tax revenue earned on account of the trade. Plus the Europeans also supplied advanced weaponry that was needed during conflicts with their rivals.

European influenced crockery belonging to the Nawab of Arcot. This collection is displayed at Fort St George museum, Madras (CHENNAI)

Taking advantage of a power struggle arising between the heirs of Nawab ul-Mulk also known as Asaf Jah I [Nizam of Hyderabad]; the British and the French East India companies got embroiled in a series of 3 Carnatic wars that were fought between 1744 to 1763. While France aided Muzaffar Jung, the British stood by Nasir Jung. 

In a separate incident, Dost Ali Khan [Nawab of Carnatic], was killed on 20 May 1740 by Maratha Raghoji Bhonsale, during the Battle of  Damalcherry. As a result there arose another power struggle for Dost Ali Khan's position.  

💡The Carnatic Wars in South India coincided with 'The Wars of Austrian Succession' between Britain and France in Europe which ended in 1748.  

Nasir Jung [son of Nizam-ul-Mulk] +  Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah [ex-Mughal Subhedar longing to become the next Nawab of Carnatic] + British East India company, headed by Robert Clive

V/z

Muzaffar Jung [grand-son of Nizam-ul-Mulk] + Chanda Sahib [son-in-law of Dost Ali Khan] + Mysorean army headed by Nanjarajah & Hyder Ali + French East India company, headed by Joseph Françoise Dupleix 

Outcome

1st Carnatic War (1744 to 1748) ended in an indecisive result. Both British and French forces withdrew to their respective positions, and handed over the places they captured from one another.

2nd Carnatic War (1749 to 1754) Nasir Jung [son of Nizam-ul-Mulk] died during this war- loss to British side. British troops capture Arcot, and Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah becomes the Nawab of Arcot, Ie. The Carnatic Sultanate. gain to British side 

Muzaffar Jung also died in the war- loss to French side. Dupleix had to resign. He thereafter lived a dejected impoverished life back in France, where he later died. The Mysoreans captured Devanahalli fort in 1749 from Muzaffar Jung- gain to French side.

3rd Carnatic War (1756 to 1763) Dupleix was replaced by Charles Godehue, however France was facing financial difficulties on account of the European wars during this period. This resulted in British forces successfully defending Madras. The British company became a dominant trading partner in India, while The French were restricted to Pondicherry.  

Mysore gains more territories under Hyder Ali 

Meantime, with the help of the French, Hyder Ali raised a 5000 strong artillery & infantry, and although it wasn't unusual at the time; he got embroiled in several other wars. The Marathas were pushed out of Bangalore and Srirangapatna, and he later captured Ikkeri and the coastal town of Bednore from the Nayaks. Thereafter several ports including Mangalore were used to build a navy so as to counter the Europeans (Portuguese and British). During all these campaigns, Hyder Ali resorted to loot and plunder. 

The Maratha confederacy under  Peshwas suffered heavy losses after the 3rd Battle of Panipat. Taking advantage of the situation, Hyder Ali resorted to attack all Maratha assets and allies. Madhavrao Peshwa triggered by the events countered and defeated Hyder's forces forcing him to retreat from Bednore plus pay heavy war damages.  

Map of Sultanate of Mysore during Hyder Ali (1780 )

The 1st Anglo-Mysore war (1767 to 1769)

The Anglo-Mysore wars were a series of 4 wars in which European trading companies mixed themselves up with the local politics at the time. 

The British wanting better autonomy and control between their Madras and Bengal Presidency, felt the Northern Circars region (ie. the Bay of Bengal coastal pockets) would best suit their needs. The Northern Circars was however under control of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The British offered to pay the Nizam a generous rent to gain access to the Northern Circars, but were declined. The British then began occupying the Northern Circars unilaterally, infuriating the Hyderabad Nizam. However, the Nizam's poor financial situation did not permit him to wage a war, so he decided to give away a few parts of the region to the British in exchange for monetary gain and military support. 

In a separate case, mistrust arose between Wallajah (Nawab of Arcot) and Mysore Sultan, when the former accused Hyder Ali of harboring his opponents. The Marathas were suffering losses due to Hyder's attacks on their assets, while the British felt inhibited with Mysore's growing dominance over the lucrative Malabar coast trade. 

Maratha Confederacy (under Peshwas)+ Nawab of Carnatic/ Arcot (under Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah) + British East India company 

V/z 

Shah Alam II (Mughal emperor) and his supporting Nawabs + Nizam of Hyderabad- Asaf Jah II, who defected + Marathas (Holkar faction) + Sultanate of Mysore (headed by Hyder Ali) and his son Tipu Sultan 

Outcome

In Jan 1767, the Marathas invaded northern Mysore, forcing Hyder Ali to pay them a huge sum of money as penalty to withdraw themselves from the captured territories. 

By May 1767, the British found out that the Nawab of Hyderabad defected and allied with Hyder Ali. Further the Nawab was also diverting the company's military resources (provided to him earlier) to regain control of the Northern Circars instead. The combined Mysore-Hyderabad army under the command of Hyder Ali attacked a British trading outpost. A contentious struggle continued during which, an entire European corps provided to the Hyderabad Nizam (based on the Northern Circars treaty) now defected to the British side. The combined army  was forced to retreat on 26 Sept 1727. This helped the British move further and occupy the Northern Circars that had been the bone of contention for this war. The British then convinced the Nizam of Hyderabad to abandon Hyder Ali and got him on their side.  

Hyder Ali was bitter about losing a valuable ally; namely- the Nizam of Hyderabad. By mid-1760's in yet another setback, the British captured his Malabar assets and occupied Mangalore port. On hearing of this, his son Tipu Sultan with the Mysore army rushed to Malabar. Hyder Ali followed shortly afterwards with additional force and managed to retake Mangalore. 

In the years that passed by, both the British and Mysore army had conflicts in which both parties lost and gained some. Towards the end of the war, Hyder Ali recovered many posts that he had lost, thereby forcing the British to negotiate a peace treaty. The Treaty of Madras was signed on 29 March 1769 that stated each would support the other if attacked. 

Hyder Ali had successfully compelled the British in signing the Treaty of Madras (29 March 1769). He was confident the State of Mysore would receive the necessary military support according to the terms of the treaty, so he took the privilege to launch an attack on the Marathas in 1770. 

However, despite being at odds with the Marathas, the British declined from extending any military support whatsoever. This resulted in Marathas advancing towards Srirangapatna (the capital of Mysore) and inflicted serious casualties by using a tactic of 'feigned retreat'. They then captured Bangalore and some other areas of Mysore. In 1772, Hyder Ali called for peace, for which he had to pay millions of rupees in war damages to the Marathas.  

💡It was a common tactic of the Marathas- the defeated party could request for a peace agreement and withdrawal, but not without paying heavy penalty as war damages, plus annual tributes.

Hostilities between Kodagu (Coorgis) and Hyder Ali

Coorg was an independent kingdom ruled by a rajah, but was occupied by Mysore. The British later captured Coorg and reinstalled the rajah. 

In 1773, Hyder recaptured Madikeri (capital of Coorg), imprisoned the king and replaced him with another individual as Governor solely for the purpose of collecting revenue. When the people retaliated against this decision, the rebellion was brutally crushed and those responsible were hanged.  

Madakari Nayaka of Chitradurga v/z Hyder Ali

Madakari Nayaka was a close ally of Hyder Ali during his previous campaigns. But later shifted his allegiance to the Maratha- Peshwa Madhavrao I. 

Angered by this move, Hyder Ali advanced towards Chitradurga. No surprise here; when a troop of 3000 Muslim soldiers of Chitradurga defected to Hyder's side. Hyder succeeded in seizing Chitradurga fort. Madakari Nayaka was held captive and imprisoned at Srirangapatnam in 1779 where he died later. 

Mandakari Nayaka against the backdrop of 🔗Chitradurga fort

Hyder's cruelty didn't end there. 20,000 Mandakari loyalists were also taken prisoners to Srirangapatnam where they were forcibly converted to Islam and then formed into a separate 'chela batallion' of the Mysorean army. 

2nd Anglo-Mysore war (1780 to 1784)

The British had many enemies;

(1) Asaf Jah II, Nawab of Hyderabad was upset with the British occupation of Guntur.  (2) The Marathas were angry as multiple treaties were repudiated. (3) Hyder failed to receive the necessary military support during his conflicts with the Marathas 

In 1779, the Marathas themselves approached Hyder and the Nawab of Hyderabad for a unified action against the British. A combined alliance would surely bring the British on their knees. Realising this, Governor Warren Hastings, representing the British East India company engaged in a diplomatic meeting with the Nizam and Marathas, and convinced them not to take up arms in this war. 

Hyder Ali was left with his only key ally~ the French

British East India company- led by William Baillie 

V/z

Mysore Sultanate- led by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan + French East India company 

The British seizure of Mahe (a French port on the Malabar coast) in 1779 was the spark that started the war. Mahe was crucial as the French supply of arms & munitions came from this port. In 1780, conflicts arose between British EIC and Mysore, in which both gained and lost some.

The Britain-France wars in Europe also impacted their respective trading companies in India. In 1783, a peace treaty was signed between the two in Europe, due to which the French EIC was compelled to withdraw its support for Mysore.. It was now a clear face-off between Hyder Ali and the British EIC.

Mysore rocketry gets the British by surprise : The Battle of Polilur* (1780)

*Polilur or Perambakkam is a suburb of present-day Chennai 

On 10 Sept, 1780- Tipu Sultan's Mysore army fired indigenously built lethal rockets causing utter confusion and desertions among Bailie's troops. He was miles away from Fort St. George and had no means to summon help. As his troops moved cautiously onward, Hyder Ali's cavalry broke into his formation and inflicted heavy casualties. Bailie surrendered and was taken captive. 

Colonel Bailey's dungeon at Srirangapatnam 

200 British captives (officers & sepoys) were lodged within a dungeon, where they were subjected to inhuman treatment. It was indeed a crushing defeat for the British East India company.

British EIC's retaliation under the command of Sir Eyre Coote

The British using naval power to their advantage, defeated the Mysore army on two occasions, and captured the Dutch trading post of Tranquebar (nearby Nagapattinam) that was being defended by 2000 of Hyder's soldiers. 

In exchange, Tipu Sultan defeated the British on 18 Feb 1782. Once more a large number of British captives and armaments were seized. Hyder meantime marched towards Tanjore (a Maratha post) where he inflicted severe damage to crop and cattle. This period 1780-1782 is the worst in Tanjore/ Thanjavur's history.

The only thing that put a stop to Hyder's mayhem was his death. When Tipu got news that Hyder Ali had died from cancer, he abandoned his campaign and rushed to his father. Taking advantage of the situation the British under General Richard Mathews rushed to recapture Bednore. But it was a badly planned attempt and British supplies (arms etc) were running low. When Tipu found out he laid siege on Bednore trapping Mathews and his rather tiny unit of 17 men. They were then taken captive and imprisoned at the dreaded hill fort of Kaballadurga where they were forcibly poisoned to death. 

The British captured Mangalore in 1783, and so on and so forth~ the gains and losses went on.

Outcome 

The 2nd Anglo-Mysore war ended with the signing of The Treaty of Mangalore wherein both parties agreed to restore the other's lands. 

Porcelain of British East India company with Coat of Arms, exhibited at Fort St.George museum, Chennai 

After Hyder Ali's death on 6 Dec 1782, his son, Tipu Sultan assumed the role of Sultan of Mysore, while the Wodeyar dynast Chamaraja Wodeyar IX (r. 1776- 1796) remained the namesake Maharaja. Tipu Sultan had fought numerous successful military campaigns alongside his father, Hyder Ali, and continued his father's legacy; namely~ 

✳️He shared a similar Islamic fanatic mindset, with a strong urge to convert Hindus and Christians to Islam 

✳️Tipu remained an an implacable enemy of the British, just like his father. 

✳️Was constantly engaged in conflicts with the Marathas.

💡 Tipu Sultan reigned from 10 Dec 1782 to 4 May 1799

Mysore-Maratha wars

The Marathas under Peshwa Madhavrao I, managed to buckle down Hyder and Tipu in 1764 and again in 1767. They entered the capital Srirangapatnam and captured Bangalore. Hyder was compelled to consider a peace treaty in 1772.  According to the treaty he accepted the Peshwa's authority and even conferred on him the title of 'Nawab of Mysore'. Hyder Ali was also obliged to pay the Marathas millions of rupees as war reparation plus the regular tributes. 

But, Tipu wanted to break free from this treaty; he bagan by capturing some forts in southern India that belonged to the Marathas and then stopped paying the necessary tributes. The situation developed into the Mysore-Maratha wars.

✳️Battle of Ruttehalli fort (1764) - when Hyder Ali called for an unprovoked conflict with the Nawabs of Savanur, who were linked with the Marathas. 

Outcome - MARATHA victory 

The Marathas intercepted the Mysore army unforgivingly. Hyder Ali met with a crushing defeat. He lost over 1000 men and fled into a nearby forest to save his life.

✳️ Battle of Sira and Madgiri (1767) - 

Marathas captured the forts of Haskote and Nandigarh from Mysore. They then besieged Bednore where Hyder was residing. 

Outcome - MARATHA victory 

✳️ Battle of Saunshi (1777) - Hyder Ali attempted at regaining his lost territories of Malabar and Coorg, and was successful. Maratha commanders were killed in this battle.

Outcome - MYSORE victory

✳️ Siege of Nargund, Feb 1785 - another victory for Mysore under General Burhanuddin, who laid a successful siege on Nargund.

Outcome - MYSORE victory

✳️ Siege of Badami, May 1786 - was won by Marathas.

✳️ Siege of Adoni, June 1786 - Tipu Sultan conducted a surprise siege on Adoni, taking the Marathas by surprise. 

Outcome - MYSORE victory

✳️ Battle of Gajendragad, June 1786 - the Maratha army under the command of Tukoji Rao Holkar captured the fort and town of Gajendragad. The Marathas thereafter exacted 4.8 million rupees as war reparation plus 1.2 million in annual tribute for maximum 4 years. 

Outcome - MARATHA victory

This treaty brought to an end the Maratha-Mysore war.

Tipu Sultan had to return to Marathas all territories that were captured by Hyder Ali. Also Maratha commander Kolopant who became POW during Adoni campaign were released. Adoni and Nargund were also returned. Clearly this was a wasted exercise by Tipu Sultan. 

A madrasa at Srirangapatnam built during the period of Mysore Sultans
 

3rd Anglo-Mysore war (1789-March 1792)

According to the Treaty of Mangalore, following the 2nd Anglo-Mysore war, it was agreed that both parties would return each other's territories. Therefore, Travancore- that was originally a British ally was returned to the British EIC. The treaty further stated that any future attack by Mysore on Travancore would be treated as a declaration for war. But this did not deter the Sultan from meddling with Travancore. On 28 Dec 1789, Tipu Sultan made an unprovoked attack on Travancore, paving the path for yet another war. 

A view of the surrounding groves from the balcony of Padmapuram palace, Kingdom of Travancore (present-day Trivandrum, Kerala)

Marathas  Confederacy + Nizam of Hyderabad+ Kingdom of Travancore's Nair militia+ Sikh empire + British East India company (headed by Lord Cornwallis)

V/z 

Arakkal (a muslim kingdom of Kannur)+ Nawab of Savanur+ Sultanate of Mysore (headed by Tipu Sultan) and several other muslim sardars

Lord Cornwallis, who was then the Governor-General & Commander-in-chief of India got the support of Marathas and Nizam, only after abrogating previous agreements with them. 

On 29 Dec 1789 and May 1790, Tipu made two attempts in breaching the line of Travancore. But he was met with strong resistance by the Travancore army headed by Kesava Pillai, forcing him to retreat after suffering huge losses. Subsequent attacks and counter-attacks on both sides continued. Tipu undoubtedly kept the opposite side on their toes challenging them at every level. 

Outcome 

✳️ On 17 Dec 1790, the British EIC led by General Robert Abercrombie, with the support of Hindu Nair militia, laid siege on Cannonore (Kannur) and compelled the Mysore troops as well as the troops of Sultan Ali Raja of Cannanore to surrender. A few days later they also seized Calicut (Kozhikode).  

A Malabar house- Kerala state

Map of Malabar, Kerala coastline 

✳️ The Marathas held on to the territories of Nawab of Savanur, leaving the British embittered.

✳️ Cornwallis was a shrewd general who had his eyes on Bangalore; as he felt, it would be a suitable approach way to Tipu's turf Srirangapatna. 

As planned, the Maratha army of 25,000 cavalry + 5000 infantry, commanded by Hari Pant who left Poona on Jan 1791, reached Kurnool, where they invited the Nizam of Hyderabad to join the campaign. So Nizam headed south and attempted a siege on KOPPAL (a Mysorean territory). The siege was unsuccessful due to his poor quality cannons.

cavalry - soldiers on horseback 🐴

infantry - foot soldiers marching 🥾

1st advance to Srirangapatna 

Cornwallis advanced north from Coimbatore, and captured Bangalore. Thereafter, he headed towards Srirangapatna. But Tipu intercepted him midway at Arekere (15 May 1791) to which Cornwallis responded by destroying Tipu's positions thus forcing him to retreat behind the walls of Srirangapatna.  

Since the Maratha army from Poona hadn't arrived, and Abercrombie was far away in Malabar; Cornwallis, not willing to exhaust his supplies, decided to abandon the campaign and pulled back to Bangalore. 

Now taking advantage of the situation, Tipu sent a troop of 2000 men south, where a small British unit of 300 men under Lieutenant Chalmers were holding fort at Coimbatore. It was a lengthy siege, and despite orders to withdraw, Chalmers made a spirited effort to hold on. 8000 more Tipu's  men arrived. Coimbatore was seized while Chalmers and his men were taken prisoners (6 Nov 1791).

Cornwallis spent the remaining months of the year capturing the hill fort of Nandi hills and Savandurga.  

In the background- A cannon at Nandi hills 

British allies partially abandon the campaign

Cornwallis observed; the Nizam's men resorted to mostly plunder and living off the army's supplies, thus proving to be rather useless. Parshuram bhau (Maratha) proceeded to capture some area of Shimoga which was a pure Maratha exploit. 

2nd advance to Srirangapatna

In preparation for a 2nd advance, the British mobilized spies to infiltrate Tipu Sultan's camp. The effort proved fruitful as they received reliable reports of the Mysore army. Cornwallis also built an excellent supply operation in order to protect the supply chain from Bangalore to Srirangapatna.

On 25 Jan 1792, Cornwallis who was camped at Savandurga (hill fort near Bangalore) proceeded towards Srirangapatna. Abercrombie, who left Malabar, would also join him. 

Hari Pant and Parshuram bhau (Marathas) had to be bribed to hold on to the campaign. But all in all the British and it's allies were a massive force that reached the gates of Srirangapatna on 5 Feb 1792.

As expected, Tipu launched his new found weapon- rocketry 🚀. Cornwallis in return launched a night time combat creating utter confusion and forcing Tipu and his troops within the city gates. After a 2 week siege on Srirangapatna starting 12 Feb, and with Abercrombie's arrival along with troops from Bombay Presidency~ tightened the noose around the Sultan. 

Outcome

Tipu Sultan was compelled to open negotiations following the siege. The Treaty of Srirangapatna was formulated on 18 March 1792. As per the terms of the treaty, he had to relinquish half his kingdom to the allies.

Further, he was penalised for ₹3,30,00,000 (₹ three crores thirty lakhs) in full as war indemnity.  

Tipu Sultan's two sons are taken as hostages after his defeat at 3rd Anglo-Mysore war. He paid the British ₹3,30,00,000 in two instalments for the release of his sons. 

After the Treaty of Srirangapatna, Mysore's borders were sharply curtailed, and Tipu Sultan's forces drastically depleted. 

4th & final Anglo-Mysore War (1798 to 4 May 1799)

Tipu Sultan, a long-term ally of the French, gained considerable influence with Napoleon Bonaparte of France. This alliance rattled Great 

Britain and the EIC who decided to put an end to their own uncertainties. 

Marathas Confederacy + Nizam of Hyderabad + British East India company (headed by James Stuart, General David Baird, General William Medows) + Great Britain (led by Arthur Wellesley)

V/z 

Sultanate of Mysore (headed by Tipu Sultan) and several other muslim sardars

3 army units were mobilized, 1 belonging to British EIC, Bombay Presidency and 2 units belonging to Great Britain (home country) led by Arthur Wellesley. A total force of 50,000 men laid siege on Srirangapatna (March 1799) against Tipu's 30,000. The British had improvised and were armed with rockets and muskets. But their initial task was to flush out Tipu's rocketmen, who lay waiting, hidden from plain sight.

Colonel Wellesley advanced in the dark of the night of 5 April 1799. But  Wellesley himself lost his way in the dark, and the advance was abandoned. The following day, Wellesley made good his time and launched a successful attack with no casualty. Some days later Tipu's rocketeers caused mayhem to the British camp causing injuries and death. 

 

2 May 1799- The breach of  Srirangapatna 

Tipu's downfall would be difficult without the help of Mir Saddiq, his Diwan ie.P.M. It is said he was heavily bribed by the British and played a major role!

Working hard throughout the night of 1 May, the batteries of the Nizam of Hyderabad succeeded in carving a breach in the fort wall by the early hours of 2nd May 1799. Mines placed under the breach were blown opening the wall wider. Srirangapatna was breached!

General David Baird who executed this operation had been waiting for this day. He was among the officers who languished in the dreaded Colonel Bailey's dungeon for 44 months. The troops stormed through, clambered up and ran along the fort ramparts, fighting their way ahead! After consulting with Mir Saddiq, an attack was planned next day ie. 3rd May, after noon to take over the fortifications. It was executed as planned. 

4th May 1799, 11.00 am- when the final attack was signalled, the troops moved forward in columns. Mir Saddiq withdrew his troops from the breach under the pretext of paying their wages. A Tipu loyalist had to be eliminated, Saddiq then waved a white handkerchief to the British troops waiting for a signal in the trenches across the river Kaveri. They immediately rushed across the low level river and scaled the fort ramparts. 

A thick fight ensued, it was noticed that a fat Mysorean officer was fighting along with his soldiers. The fight continued until the city was captured by dusk. 

Later that night, British officers trying to locate the Sultan found the body of the fat fighting officer lying in front of Water gate. He was none other than Tipu Sultan.  

The death of Tipu Sultan, 4-May-1799

"Now, India is ours!" ~ British General George Harris, after the death of Tipu Sultan

Mir Sayyid overjoyed, rushed out to meet the British officers, much to the dismay of his fellow Mysorean troops. It wasn't long before he was killed by these folks in the most dishonourable way for being a traitor. 

There were jubilant celebrations amongst the British in India. The day was marked as a public holiday in Great Britain. Hindus and Christians who bore the brunt of Tipu's atrocities because of their faith felt relieved. 

Mysore bears allegiance to Britain

After Tipu Sultan's death, Lakshmi Ammani Devi of the Wodeyar dynasty, following an understanding with the British, got her grandson, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (r. 30 June 1799 to 27 March 1868) installed as the Maharaja of Mysore. Lt Col. Barry Close took charge as the British Resident of Mysore. A standing British army was maintained for which the Maharaja had to pay an annual tribute. 

The first Battalion of Mysore Infantry in a royal procession~ Mural painting at Mysore palace

The Wodeyars Maharajas  thereafter thrived, flourished and excelled especially during the reign of Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV (r. 1902- 1940). Mysore continued to remain a Princely state under British Raj until India's independence in 1947. 

Mysore palace was built between 1897 and 1912. 

Suggested read- Things to do in Mysore