Why is Tipu relevant now? Should we bother about historic personalities who are long dead and gone?
That is almost like asking whether history is relevant at all as the discipline deals with characters long dead and gone! In the case of people like Tipu Sultan they become relevant because they are made into a political football by the acrimonious politics of our times. Ever since the Congress Government started the Tipu Jayanthi in 2014 to commemorate his birth anniversary, it caused great angst to several communities in Karnataka, whose ancestors had suffered his brutalities. The BJP did its share of ridiculous myth-making as a counter, talking about Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda as his killers—all with an eye to target the Vokkaliga vote bank. In all of this, I felt that it was truly a historian's responsibility to set the record straight, bring the facts on the table and present the unvarnished truth of Tipu Sultan, as he was, with warts and all.
While growing up in Kerala, there was a dichotomy in the narrative we heard about Tipu Sultan. The textbooks, the Doordarshan series and the academic narrative of that time portrayed him as a great hero who fought against the East India Company and a secular icon, while the collective memory talked about a different picture. Which is the truth?
This story is from the December 15, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Kollam.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 15, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Kollam.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ongoing HIL to act as selection trials
THE ongoing Hockey India League (HIL) will also act as selection trials for both the men's and women's teams ahead of the next edition of the Pro League, scheduled to begin in Odisha in February.
Sabalenka, Zverev ace tests on opening day
ARYNA Sabalenka powered past Sloane Stephens to begin her quest for a third consecutive Australian Open crown on Sunday with Alexander Zverev and Zheng Qinwen also winning as storms caused havoc on day one of the Grand Slam.
Karun cracks fifth ton as Vidarbha enter semifinals
VIDARBHA outclassed Rajasthan by nine wickets, while Haryana edged out Gujarat by two wickets to move into the semifinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy here on Sunday.
Veteran Shami's return biggest talking point
THE return of Mohammed Shami was the biggest highlight of India's T20I squad against England.
Nat'l boxing meet: Sachin & 8 other SSCB boxers in semis
FORMER world youth champion Sachin Siwach and Lakshya Chahar led a dominant charge by the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) on Day 5 of the men's national boxing championship, with the unit securing nine berths in the penultimate round.
1st ODI century for Rodrigues as India seal series
THE moment Smriti Mandhana, India's stand-in captain in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, won the toss and opted to bat first at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot against Ireland, one thing was certain.
Change Of Guard In BCCI
Saikia, Prabhtej elected as cricket body's new secretary & treasurer, respectively, on Sunday
Teenager Pretorius puts up Royals show
LHUAN-DRE Pretorius provided South African cricket with a glimpse into the future after the rising star smashed 97 off 51 balls (10X4, 6X6) to power Paarl Royals to a nine-wicket victory over Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Boland Park on Saturday.
TCS to create 25k seat capacity in Bengaluru
TAPERING off in the BSNL deal expected over the next few quarters will aid TCS to expand profit margin, a senior company official has said.
About Frugality and Financial Freedom
have a friend who has a net-worth in the region of ₹100 crore. Resides in a simple 2bhk in a Mumbai suburb and lives what we would call a 'frugal' life.
