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Revolutionary thoughts
Tipu was revolutionary in thought and action. He fought all his life against cowardice,
injustice and ignorance. His restless mind would come out every time with something new.
He desired to teach them faster than they could learn. He had a zeal for innovations and a
zest for modernization. What greater tribute could there be than an acknowledgement of his
foresight even by his adversaries?
James Mill, a historian of the other camp, observes
"He(Tipu) had the discernment to perceive what is so generally hidden from the eyes
of the rulers of a more enlightened state of society, that it is the prosperity of those
who labour with their hands which constitutes the principle and cause of the prosperity of
states; he, therefore, made it his business to protect them against the intermediate
orders of the community by whom it is so difficult to prevent them from being
oppressed....
His country was accordingly...the best cultivated
and its population the most flourishing in India, while under the English and their
dependencies, the population of the Carnatic and Oudh, hastening to the state of deserts,
were the most wretched upon the face of the earth".
" 'Since receiving that letter, I have heard that frequently
such labour
is being requinsitioned by Amildars either on their own or at the request or several
departments. Therefore, I say this to you, let strict instructions be issued forthwith,
for I see in such a practice the beginnings of a system slavery'.
'There can be no glory or achievements if the foundation of our places, roads and dams are
mingled with the tears and blood of humanity'....."
--Tipu Sultan |
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