Hyder Ali

Learn about Hyder Ali of Mysore, his early life, rule (1761–1782), administration, military achievements, and role in the Anglo-Mysore Wars with exam-oriented TNPSC notes.

Hyder Ali

• The figures who emerged as major powers in South India during the 18th century were HyderAli and Tipu Sultan, who ruled Mysore.
• Following the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India in 1565 AD, the Mysore region began to function as an independent state under the Hindu Wodeyar dynasty.
• The last ruler of the Wodeyar dynasty was Chikka Krishnaraja II.
• Before establishing the Kingdom of Mysore, he served as the *Faujdar* of the Dindigul region.
• HyderAli established an arms depot in Dindigul in collaboration with the French government.

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Hyder Ali of Mysore – Basic Facts

• Name = Hyder Ali
• Birth = 1720
• Birthplace = Budikote, Kolar region, Karnataka
• Father = Fath Muhammad
• Kingdom = Mysore
• Position = De facto ruler of Mysore
• Period of Rule = 1761–1782
• Capital = Srirangapatna
• Successor = His son Tipu Sultan
• Death = 7 December 1782
• Place of Death = Near Chittoor, Andhra region

Rise of Hyder Ali

• Hyder Ali began his career as a soldier in the Mysore army.
• He gradually rose through the military ranks under the Wodeyar rulers.
• He became prominent during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II.
• Through military success and political influence, he acquired effective control over Mysore.
• In 1761, Hyder Ali became the de facto ruler of Mysore.
• He did not formally abolish the Wodeyar dynasty; the Wodeyar ruler continued nominally.

Military Reforms of Hyder Ali

• Modernised the Mysorean army using European military techniques.
• Increased the use of artillery and firearms.
• Developed a strong cavalry force.
• Used rockets in warfare. Mysorean iron-cased rockets later became famous in conflicts with the British.
• Employed European military specialists, particularly French personnel, for training and military technology.

First Anglo-Mysore War — 1767–1769

• Initially, the British formed alliances against Mysore.
• HyderAli successfully exploited divisions among his opponents.
• He advanced rapidly towards Madras.
• The war ended with the Treaty of Madras (1769).
• Both sides agreed to assist each other if attacked.
• Exam point = First Anglo-Mysore War → Treaty of Madras → 1769

Second Anglo-Mysore War – 1780-1784

• HyderAli played the leading role in the early part of this war.

Causes

• British interference in Mysore’s affairs.
• Breakdown of the earlier Treaty of Madras.
• British capture of Mahé, a French settlement protected by HyderAli.
• Hyder Ali considered Mahé strategically important because French supplies reached Mysore through it.

Battle of Pollilur – 1780

• HyderAli and Tipu Sultan defeated the British force commanded by Colonel William Baillie.
• It was one of the most serious British military defeats in India during the period.
• Mysorean rockets played an important role.

Battle of Porto Novo – 1781

• British forces under Sir Eyre Coote defeated HyderAli.

Battle of Pollilur – 1781

• Fighting continued between Mysore and British forces.

Death of Hyder Ali

• HyderAli died on 7 December 1782 during the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
• He reportedly died from illness while campaigning.
• His son Tipu Sultan succeeded him and continued the war against the British.
• Important = HyderAli’s death did not end the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
• The war continued under Tipu Sultan and eventually ended with the = Treaty of Mangalore (1784)

TNPSC One-Liner Facts

• HyderAli became the de facto ruler of Mysore in 1761.
• Mysore was nominally ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty.
• Tipu Sultan was the son of HyderAli.
• HyderAli died in 1782.
• Tipu Sultan succeeded HyderAli.
• The First Anglo-Mysore War was fought from 1767–1769.
• The First Anglo-Mysore War ended with the Treaty of Madras.
• The Second Anglo-Mysore War lasted from 1780–1784.
• Pollilur was a major Mysorean victory in 1780.
• Colonel William Baillie was defeated at Pollilur.
• Sir Eyre Coote defeated HyderAli at Porto Novo.
• HyderAli died during the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
• The Second Anglo-Mysore War ended with the Treaty of Mangalore.