Tipu Jayanthi celebrated in Karnataka
Amidst protests and resistance from the BJP, the coalition government in Karnataka is going ahead with its plans to celebrate the birth anniversary of 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who is reportedly unwell, and his deputy stayed away from the celebrations. The BJP has attacked the government for what it calls as the ruling alliance’s “duplicity” and “pseudo-secularism”.
Several protesters were detained this morning in Kodagu district for raising slogans and trying to block the official celebrations.
Defending the celebrations, Congress minister DK Shivakumar, told NDTV: “Tipu is from Karnataka. We are part of Karnataka. The President of India himself came to Vidhana Soudha and appreciated the continuation of Tipu Sultan’s birthday celebrations.
Tipu Sultan Jayanti or birth anniversary is marked on November 10 every year. The 18th century ruler is popularly known as the Tiger of Mysore and Tipu Sahib. He was born as Sultan Fateh Ali Sahab Tipu on November 10, 1750 in Devanahalli, present-day Bangalore and succeeded his father in 1782.
Tipu Sultan’s reign is remembered for many technological and administrative innovations. He introduced new coin denominations, new coin types and a luni-solar calendar. Tipu Sultan is also revered as a pioneer in the use of rocket artillery. He expanded the use of rockets, deploying as many as 5,000 racketeers at a time. During his rule, he introduced a land revenue system which gave a boost to the Mysore silk industry and helped in establishing Mysore as a major economic power.