Hyder Ali facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Hyder Ali
Nawab of Mysore Sarvadhikari of Mysore Dalavayi of Mysore Shams-ul-Mulk Amir-ud-Daulah
A 1790's steel engraving of King Hyder Ali
Sultan of Mysore
Reign	July 1761 – 7 December 1782
Predecessor	Krishnaraja Wodeyar II (as Maharaja)
Successor	Tipu Sultan

Born	c.1720 Budikote, Kingdom of Mysore (present-day Kolar, Karnataka, India)
Died	(1782-12-07)7 December 1782 (aged 62) Chittoor, Sultanate of Mysore (present-day Andhra Pradesh, India)
Burial	Srirangapatna, Karnataka 12°24′36″N 76°42′50″E / 12.41000°N 76.71389°E / 12.41000; 76.71389
Spouse	Fathima Fakhr-un-Nisa
Father	Fath Muhammad
Mother	Razia Bibi
Religion	Sunni Islam

Military career
Allegiance	Hyderabad State Carnatic Sultanate Kingdom of Mysore Sultanate of Mysore
Branch	Mysore Army
Rank	Sultan Nawab (formerly) Ispahsalar (formerly) Nayak (formerly) Sipahi (formerly)
Commands	List Dindigul Bangalore Srirangapatna Mysore
Conflicts	List Mughal-Maratha Wars Carnatic Wars Seven Years' War Mysore's campaigns against the states of Malabar (1757) Mysorean invasion of Kerala Maratha–Mysore War Battle of Jadi Hanwati First Anglo-Mysore War Battle of Ooscota Second Anglo-Mysore War Mysore invasion of Chirakkal Siege of Nargund Siege of Channapatna Battle of Rattihalli Capture of Kabbaldurga
Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".

Hyder Ali (born around 1720 – died December 7, 1782) was a very powerful ruler in southern India. He became the de facto (actual) ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. He started as a soldier and rose through the ranks. Eventually, he became the Dalavayi (commander-in-chief) and then the Sarvadhikari (Chief Minister). By 1761, he was the true leader of Mysore.

Hyder Ali was known for his military skills. He fought many wars against his neighbors. These included the East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy. He also formed an important alliance with the French. They helped him improve his army and weapons. His rule was a time of much change and conflict in India. He left a large kingdom to his son, Tipu Sultan.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Hyder Ali as a young soldier (Sepoy).

A realistic portrait of Hyder Ali.

Hyder Ali was born in Budikote, in what is now Kolar district, Karnataka, India. His father, Fath Muhammad, was a military commander. He served the rulers of Mysore. After his father passed away, Hyder Ali and his brother Shahbaz joined the army.

Hyder Ali gained experience serving different rulers in the Deccan region. He and his brother eventually came to Srirangapatna. There, his uncle helped them join the Mysorean army. Hyder Ali quickly showed his talent as a soldier. He started with a small command of cavalry and infantry.

Rising Through the Ranks

Gaining Experience in Wars

In the mid-1700s, there were many conflicts in India. These were known as the Carnatic Wars. Different leaders fought to control territories. Hyder Ali and his brother fought in these wars. They showed great bravery and skill during sieges. Because of their success, they were given larger commands in the army.

Hyder Ali learned a lot from these battles. He even worked with French military advisors. This helped him understand how to organize and train his artillery. He also learned to dislike some of his opponents, like the Nawab of Carnatic.

Smart Thinking and Financial Skills

Hyder Ali was very intelligent, even though he couldn't read or write. He had an amazing memory and was excellent with numbers. He worked with a financial assistant, Khande Rao. Together, they created a system to manage all the kingdom's money. This system helped prevent fraud and made sure everything was accounted for. His smart financial management helped him gain more power.

Taking Control of Srirangapatna

In 1757, Hyder Ali was called to Srirangapatna. The city was facing threats from other kingdoms. He found the Mysorean army in chaos. Soldiers were unhappy about not being paid. Hyder Ali quickly solved the pay issues. He also dealt with the leaders of the mutiny. This action greatly increased his influence.

Expanding Mysore's Territory

Hyder Ali led successful campaigns against the Zamorin of Calicut. This ruler was an ally of the East India Company. Hyder Ali expanded Mysore's control over parts of the Malabar Coast. For his achievements, he was given the important region of Bangalore to govern.

In 1758, Hyder Ali's forces captured Bangalore from the Marathas. By 1759, he was in charge of the entire Mysorean army. He also defeated a larger Maratha army at the Siege of Channapatna. This added more land to Mysore.

Becoming the Nawab of Mysore

The young King of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar II, recognized Hyder Ali's success. He gave him the title of Fath Hyder Bahadur. He was also called Nawab Hyder Ali Khan. This made him the first ruler of Mysore to hold the title of Nawab.

Political struggles continued in Mysore. Hyder Ali eventually took almost complete military control. He removed his rival, Khande Rao, from power. By 1761, Hyder Ali was the undisputed ruler of Mysore. He even made the king, Krishnaraja Wodeyar II, a prisoner in his own palace.

Hyder Ali as Ruler

Hyder Ali officially called himself Sultan Hyder Ali Khan. He was careful in his dealings with the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nizam was a powerful Muslim ruler in southern India.

Seal of Mysore.
The flag of the Sultanate of Mysore at the entrance into the fort of Bangalore.

Growing the Kingdom and Making Friends

The Lal Bagh Gardens in Bangalore were first designed by Hyder Ali. They were inspired by Mughal and French garden styles.

Over the next few years, Hyder Ali expanded his kingdom to the north. He took Sira from the Marathas. He also gained the rich kingdom of Bednore. He renamed its capital Haidernagar. He started issuing his own coins and created new systems for weights and measures.

Hyder Ali wanted his son, Tipu, to have a good education. He hired skilled teachers for him. He was also cautious about foreigners. He did not allow the East India Company to have a representative at his court.

He had good relationships with the Christian people in Mangalore. He was friends with two Catholic priests. He even allowed a Protestant missionary to live at his court. Christians also served in his army and administration. He allowed them to build a church in Seringapatam.

Wars with the Maratha Confederacy

Hyder Ali in 1762, in a French painting.

The Maratha Empire was weakened after a major defeat in 1761. Hyder Ali saw this as a chance to reduce their threat. He attacked Maratha-aligned territories. The Marathas, led by Madhavrao I, fought back. They defeated Hyder Ali in some battles. He had to pay a large tribute to end the war.

After a short time, Hyder Ali returned to the Malabar Coast. He helped the Raja of Cannanore gain independence. He also defeated the Zamorin of Calicut. The Zamorin had supported Hyder's enemies. Hyder Ali took control of Calicut. He punished those who rebelled against his rule.

Map of India in 1765 showing Hindu territories allied with the Marathas in (yellow); and the Muslim territories, which includes Mysore allied to the Mughal in (green).

In 1766, the king of Mysore, Krishnaraja, passed away. Hyder Ali made sure Krishnaraja's son became the new ruler. However, Hyder Ali kept all the real power for himself.

The First Anglo-Mysore War

Krishnagiri Fort was besieged in the first Anglo-Mysore war in 1768. It briefly surrendered to the English.

The East India Company was becoming very powerful in India. Hyder Ali expected the British to help him against the Marathas. However, they did not. Instead, the British and the Nizam of Hyderabad became involved in disputes. The Nizam then allied with Hyder Ali against the British.

The First Anglo-Mysore War began in August 1767. Hyder Ali and the Nizam attacked a British outpost. Despite having a much larger army, they were pushed back. Hyder Ali continued fighting, capturing some towns. However, the Nizam eventually made a separate peace with the British.

Hyder Ali continued to fight alone. He even built a small navy. The British captured Mangalore on the Malabar coast. Hyder Ali quickly moved his army there and recaptured the port. He believed some local Christians had helped the British. He imprisoned those found guilty of disloyalty. However, he later made peace with the Portuguese and ensured the safety of other Christians.

Asaf Jah II initially allied with Hyder Ali during the First Anglo-Mysore War. He later made a separate peace with the British.

The war continued with many battles. Hyder Ali tried to make peace with the British. But they refused his terms. In a bold move, Hyder Ali led a fast march of 6,000 cavalry. He reached the gates of Madras (now Chennai) in just three days. This show of force made the British negotiate.

On March 29, 1769, a peace treaty was signed in Madras. It returned things mostly to how they were before the war. It also included an agreement that each side would help the other defend its territory. Hyder Ali showed great skill as a military leader and diplomat during this war.

Connecting with Other Nations

Hyder Ali used his coastal access to build relationships with traders overseas. He set up trade rules that favored Mysorean and Arab traders. He sent ambassadors to Muscat and Persia. He wanted to create military and economic alliances. He even planned to send an ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. His son, Tipu Sultan, later made direct contact with Istanbul.

Renewed Wars with the Marathas

Hyder Ali's forces in battle.

Hyder Ali believed the British would support him against the Marathas. He stopped paying tribute to the Marathas. In November 1770, the Marathas invaded Mysore with a large army. The British refused to help Hyder Ali. He had to retreat, burning crops to prevent the Marathas from getting supplies.

The Marathas captured much of northeastern Mysore. Hyder Ali offered to pay some tribute, but it was not enough. The Marathas continued their attacks. They even tried to besiege Seringapatam. Hyder Ali again asked the British for help, but their demands were too high. In 1772, Hyder Ali finally made peace. He agreed to pay a large sum of money and give up some land.

After the peace, Hyder Ali discovered that the king, Nanjaraja, was secretly talking to the Marathas. Hyder Ali removed Nanjaraja from power. He then placed Nanjaraja's brother, Chamaraja, on the throne.

The peace did not last long. In 1773, Hyder Ali took advantage of a power struggle among the Marathas. He sent his son Tipu to reclaim lost territories. He also took control of Coorg. The people of Coorg rebelled, but Hyder Ali quickly stopped them.

In 1776, the young King Chamaraja Wodeyar VIII passed away. Hyder Ali chose a new king from the royal family. He picked a child, also named Chamaraja Wodeyar, who seemed brave and curious.

By 1779, Hyder Ali had expanded his kingdom to the Krishna River. He also dealt with the ruler of Chitradurga, Madakari Nayaka. Madakari had switched sides to the Marathas. After capturing Chitradurga, Hyder Ali took Madakari as a prisoner. Some young men from Madakari's followers were recruited into special army units.

The Second Anglo-Mysore War

Map showing the areas of the First and the Second Anglo-Mysore Wars.

Hyder Ali had asked the British for help against the Marathas many times. Each time, they refused. The British had also angered the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad.

In 1779, the Marathas offered to ally with Hyder Ali and the Nizam against the British. Hyder Ali agreed to this alliance for two main reasons. First, the British captured Mahé, a port that supplied Hyder Ali with French weapons. Second, British troops marched through his territory without permission.

Hyder Ali began rebuilding his navy in 1778. He also gained alliances with other Muslim rulers and communities. He even met with Muslim Malays from Malacca.

A British illustration of Sayed Sahib leading Hyder Ali's forces during the Siege of Cuddalore.
The Battle of Pollilur, where Hyder Ali's forces used Mysorean rockets effectively against British troops.
Pierre André de Suffren was an ally of Hyder Ali.
Marquis de Bussy-Castelnau was an ally of Hyder Ali.
French Admiral Suffren (with Hyder Ali's support) helped Dutch forces against British Admiral Edward Hughes.

Attacking the Carnatic

Hyder Ali gathered a huge army, estimated at 83,000 soldiers. In July 1780, he attacked the Carnatic region. He damaged the countryside as he advanced. British officials in Madras were surprised by his rapid movements. Hyder Ali besieged Arcot. His son Tipu intercepted British reinforcements. Tipu and Hyder Ali surrounded a British force, forcing about 3,000 soldiers to surrender at the Battle of Pollilur. This battle showed the powerful effect of Mysore's rockets. Arcot fell to Hyder Ali in November.

Colonel Baillie surrenders to Hyder Ali.

The British sent General Sir Eyre Coote to lead their forces. Coote marched into the Carnatic. Hyder Ali then attacked Tanjore. He took goods and destroyed crops. This caused severe economic hardship in Tanjore for many years.

General Coote eventually defeated Hyder Ali at the Battle of Porto Novo in July 1781. Hyder Ali lost many men. The two armies met again at Pollilur, but Hyder Ali was defeated once more. The British also captured the Dutch port of Negapatam. This forced Hyder Ali to withdraw from most of Tanjore.

In January 1782, Hyder Ali received bad news from the west. Rebellions were breaking out in Coorg and Malabar. He sent troops to deal with these issues. Then, a French force landed at Porto Novo. Hyder Ali quickly sent Tipu to meet them. He then followed himself. He met with the French Admiral Suffren. They planned to establish Cuddalore as a French base.

Death of a Great Ruler

The tomb of Hyder Ali.

Hyder Ali had been suffering from a cancerous growth on his back. He passed away in his camp on December 6, 1782. His advisors tried to keep his death a secret. They wanted to wait until his son, Tipu Sultan, could return from the Malabar coast.

When Tipu learned of his father's death, he immediately returned to take control. He had to stop an attempt by an uncle to place his brother on the throne. The British learned of Hyder Ali's death quickly. However, their commander was slow to act. This meant they could not take advantage of the situation.

Hyder Ali was buried at the Gumbaz in Seringapatam. This beautiful mausoleum was built by his son Tipu Sultan.

Mysore's Navy

French Admiral Suffren meeting with Hyder Ali in 1782.

In 1763, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan started their first naval fleet. It was based on the Malabar Coast. This fleet included many ships, both large and small. Its purpose was to protect trade and expand Mysore's influence.

Hyder Ali's navy even helped protect Chinese merchant ships in the region. However, the Mysore navy also faced battles. In 1768 and 1780, it suffered damage in skirmishes with the East India Company.

Military Rocket Innovations

The Mysore rockets were used effectively during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. The British later developed them into Congreve rockets.

Hyder Ali was a pioneer in using rockets in warfare. Rockets had been used in India before. However, Hyder Ali greatly improved them. He used high-quality iron casings for the rocket chambers. This allowed for more powerful explosives.

He also organized special units of rocketmen. These soldiers were skilled at aiming rockets. They could even mount rockets on carts for better mobility. This allowed them to fire many rockets at once.

During the 1780 Battle of Pollilur, Hyder Ali's rockets were very effective. They are thought to have caused a British ammunition store to explode. This contributed to a major British defeat. Hyder Ali's innovations inspired the British. William Congreve later developed his own rockets based on Mysore's designs. These became known as Congreve rockets.

Economic Growth

Under Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, Mysore became very strong economically. They worked hard to increase the wealth and income of the kingdom. They put in place ambitious plans for economic development.

Family Life

Hyder Ali had at least two wives. His second wife, Fatima, was the mother of his famous son, Tipu Sultan. She also had another son, Karim, and a daughter. To strengthen alliances, his children were sometimes married into other powerful families.

Lasting Legacy

Hyder Ali was admired even by people far away. During the American Revolution, American Patriots were fascinated by him. They praised his bravery. In 1781, the Pennsylvania State Navy even named a warship Hyder-Ally after him. A famous American poet, Philip Freneau, wrote a poem honoring the ship and the Sultan.

Later, Indian freedom fighters also remembered Hyder Ali. In 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose highlighted Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan as "Warriors" whose names are "forever engraved in letters of gold."