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Tipu Sultan
Secular ruler beyond doubt
By Prof. Sheik Ali
(Former Vice Chancellor of Goa & Mangalore Universities)


Secular Policy

Secular Policy
Restoration of Sringeri Mutt
Other temples patronised by Tipu
Hindus in important civil posts
Hindus in important army posts

Restoration of Sringeri Mutt

 

 

Fair policies
The French alliance
Policy towards prisoners of war
Some more on his impartiality...

Secularism

In 1791, during the third Mysore war, the invading Maratha army under Persuram Bhau caused a lot of damage to Sringeri, plundered the temple property and even displaced the sacred image of the goddess Sharada. The Swamiji of the temple left the place and went to Karkala in Dakshina Kannada District. The swamiji informed Tipu about the Maratha raid, and sought his help for consecrating the sacred image of the Goddess. Tipu responded immediately to the request, and wrote to Sri Shankaracharya, the swamiji of the temple expressing such sentiments of respect for Hinduism as to disprove any charge of intolerance leveled against him. He furnished the Swamiji with funds for reinstalling the displaced image, ordered the Assaf (Collector) of Bidnur to supply both cash and other articles and expressed his grief at the unfortunate incidents, which resulted in the damage to the holy place. In one of these letters Tipu quoted a Sanskrit verse, meaning that people commit wicked deeds smilingly but they would repent for them later weepingly. Tipu requested the swamiji to pray for the prosperity of the State and for the destruction of its enemies. After the idol was installed Tipu received the prasada and the shawls which swamiji had sent. and in return he sent his gifts of cloth and bodice for the goddess and a pair of shawl to swamiji.
In another record it is mentioned that Tipu sent two palanquins, one for the goddess and the other for the Swamiji. These letters express great respect to the holy place and to swamiji which completely falsify the British propaganda that Tipu was a bigot and persecuted the Hindus. Nor was this treatment confined only to the period when Tipu was at war with the Marathas, but extended all through his regime. At another time when there was no war, Tipu addressed to the Swamiji as Jagadguru and asked him to pray for the welfare and happiness of all the people.

 

"When ever there is a person wishing to do social reform there is always an objection, because the person goes against established practices. Even prophets are not spared of critism".
                                                                                                          -----Mr. Mohammed Moeinuddin.

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