External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar Slams Those Who Show Tipu Sultan In Bad Light

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar Slams Those Who Show Tipu Sultan In Bad Light #tippusultan

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has criticized what he calls the "cherry-picking of facts" in historical narratives, using Tipu Sultan as an example. Speaking at the launch of Vikram Sampath's book Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore Interregnum 1761-1799, Jaishankar said history has often been tailored to fit political agendas, raising questions about how much of India’s past has been "airbrushed" or "glossed over."

Jaishankar acknowledged Tipu Sultan's legacy as a fierce anti-British figure but argued that this narrative oversimplifies his complex role in history. "There can be no doubt that Tipu Sultan was fiercely and almost consistently anti-British," he stated, while noting the difficulty in distinguishing whether this opposition was inherent or a reaction to British alliances with his local rivals.

Highlighting Tipu’s diplomatic efforts, Jaishankar pointed to his collaborations with the French and his outreach to rulers in Turkey, Afghanistan, and Persia for support, which reflect both his strategic acumen and his faith-driven politics. He added that Tipu's writings and diplomatic activities strongly expressed his identity and mindset.

The minister also touched on Tipu’s missteps, noting that he was "caught on the wrong side of events in France" during critical moments. He revealed that Napoleon had written letters to Tipu, which he never received because they were intercepted by the British. "Ironically, the British, as is their habit, stole many things," Jaishankar remarked.

Jaishankar praised Sampath’s book for presenting a balanced account of Tipu Sultan, calling it more than a biography. He said the book offers insights into the politics, strategy, and diplomacy of a complex era, challenging longstanding narratives that have dominated historical discourse.

The minister concluded by emphasizing the need for more objective and balanced history writing in India, stating that recent political changes have opened up space for alternative perspectives.

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