Karnataka Government to restore symbolic royal respect to Tipu Sultan's descendants

Bangalore, July 31 (ANI): After more than two centuries of Tipu Sultan's defeat at the hands of British forces in Srirangapatna, his descendants will regain the respect that most Indians believe they deserve.

The Karnataka Government has reportedly agreed to rehabilitate Asif Ali Shah, a descendant of Tipu Sultan's fourth son, by providing him with a house, pay for the education of his children and accord him symbolic privileges of Indian royalty.

It is understood he will attend some ceremonial events.

Known as the "Tiger of Mysore", Tipu Sultan mounted a spirited challenge to British rule in India in the 18th century.

Tipu Sultan's reputation as a great warrior was sealed during the Second Mysore War in 1780 when he defeated British forces led by Sir Hector Munro at the Battle of Pollilur.

With the aid of French officers, he broke through British lines and unleashed 13 offensives until the British officers finally surrendered.

One of those who surrendered was Captain David Baird, who was a prisoner for four years before returning to his regiment.

He eventually led a force that defeated Tipu Sultan in 1799.

Tipu Sultan's defeat marked the start of a long and painful descent for his family. His sons and their families were rounded up, jailed and later exiled to Calcutta, where Tipu Sultan had bought large estates for them.

Their family estates, which included the Royal Calcutta Golf Club and the Tollygunge Club, one of the foremost gentlemen's clubs of the British Raj, are worth hundreds of millions of pounds. But they were taken over by a trust, which has refused to pay for their children's education or save them from penury. The estates were leased out on long-term peppercorn rents.

Today, his descendants are rickshaw pullers and domestic servants in Calcutta, shunned by India's remaining royal families and humiliated by officials of a trust established to provide for their welfare. (ANI)