Mysore Kingdom

After the fall of the Vijaynagar Empire, the Kingdom of Mysore emerged as an independent state. Later on, it accepted nominal over lordship of the Mughals. But it took advantage of the defeat of the Mughals at the hands of Nadir Shah and asserted its independence.

Both Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan were great and able rulers of Mysore Kingdom.

Hyder Ali, a soldier of fortune, began his career in the service of Nanjraj, the Dalwi or the prime minister. At that time the Raja was a prisoner in the hands of his Prime Minister. The real power was wielded by Nanjraj. Nanjraj was greatly impressed by the qualities of Hyder Ali and made him the commander­-in-chief. But ambitious Hyder Ali did not remain content with his post. Eventually Hyder displaced Nanjraj and made the Raja a prisoner in his palace. After the death of the Raja, Hyder usurped the throne and established his authority over Mysore. Hyder was a man of extraordinary intelligence, a great general, and a master diplomat. He adopted western technique of war and trained his soldiers accordingly. This increased the military power of Mysore Kingdom. With the help of the French experts he established a modern arsenal factory at Dindigul.

Hyder was a good administrator. He quelled the rebellions of various Polygars and by conquering Sera, Bednore, Sunda, and Canara etc. extended his kingdom up to the Krishna River. As a ruler he was tolerant to the Hindus. Many of his high ranking officers, including the Diwan, were Hindus.

The rapid expansion of the power of Hyder was not liked by the Nizam, the Marathas and the English. They formed a triple alliance against Hyder Ali. But Hyder bribed the Marathas and skillfully won over the Nizam to his side, and thus strengthened his position. For the time being only the English remained as his enemy.

After the fall of the Vijaynagar Empire, the Kingdom of Mysore emerged as an independent state. Later on, it accepted nominal over lordship of the Mughals. But it took advantage of the defeat of the Mughals at the hands of Nadir Shah and asserted its independence.