Tipu, Sultan of Mysore

Sitter in 4 portraits
Ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore who resisted British imperialism and fought against British colonialism. Tipu Sultan was a progressive ruler who is credited with introducing coinage, a new Mauludi lunisolar calendar and a new land tax system which helped to boost growth of the Mysore silk industry. He commissioned the Fathul Mujahidin military manual and is considered a pioneer in the use of rocket artillery which he deployed against advances of British forces and their allies during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, most notably at the Siege of Seringapatam. His conflicts with his neighbours and aggressions against Hindus, Christians and Mappla Muslims have made him one of the most controversial figures in South Indian history.