Tipu Sultan
1750–1799 · Indian (Kingdom of Mysore) · Anglo-Mysore Wars
Known for: 'Tiger of Mysore'—pioneered iron-cased rockets and was one of the most formidable opponents of British colonialism
Tipu Sultan was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore and one of the most innovative military commanders in Indian history. He pioneered the use of iron-cased rockets in warfare—weapons that later influenced British Congreve rockets and eventually modern rocketry. He fought four wars against the British East India Company.
He was a patron of science and learning, corresponding with Napoleon and the Ottoman Sultan for alliances against Britain. He died fighting on the ramparts of his capital Seringapatam in 1799, reportedly declaring he would 'rather live two days as a tiger than two hundred years as a sheep.'
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