Benki Nawab “The Fire Lord”

In the heart of southern India, during the 18th century, when the Kingdom of Mysore was at the height of its power, there lived a warrior whose name struck both awe and terror into the hearts of friend and foe alike. His name was Benki Nawab—the “Fire Lord” of Mysore. Known for his unmatched ferocity in battle and his unyielding loyalty to Tipu Sultan, Benki Nawab’s courage became legendary, earning him a place among the greatest warriors in Mysorean history.

Benki Nawab whose real name was Nawab Muhammad Reza Mir Meeran had earned his fearsome title due to his battlefield tactics that often seemed to set the sky ablaze. He was a master of artillery, the head of Zumrai Kutcheri and under his command, Mysore’s rocket forces became a devastating force that even the British feared. But beyond the fire and fury of rockets, Benki Nawab was also a brilliant commander, known for his quick thinking and undying courage.

The story of his greatest battle takes place during the Siege of Nargund in 1787. The British, in their relentless march to subjugate India, had set their sights on the strategic fort of Nargund, located in a vital position to control the surrounding territories. Tipu Sultan knew that losing Nargund would give the British a foothold deep in Mysorean lands, and he entrusted Benki Nawab with the responsibility of defending it at all costs.

The British forces, led by General Matthews, approached with a vast army, equipped with cannons, rifles, and the latest European technology of war. They were confident that Mysore, despite its fierce resistance, would eventually fall under their might. What they did not anticipate, however, was the fiery resolve of Benki Nawab.

As the British laid siege to Nargund, Benki Nawab rallied his troops, a mixed force of Mysorean soldiers—Muslims, Hindus, and Marathas—united under the common banner of protecting their homeland. The fort’s defenses were formidable, but the British had siege cannons capable of reducing the walls to rubble. The Mysoreans, though outnumbered, had one weapon the British didn’t fully understand: rockets—a technology that Tipu Sultan and his commanders had perfected into a deadly art.

On the first night of the siege, the British began their bombardment, their cannons pounding the fort’s outer walls. But Benki Nawab had anticipated this. He had studied British tactics and knew they would focus their fire on one section of the fort, hoping to breach it quickly. Under the cover of darkness, he ordered his men to prepare the Mysorean rockets, positioning them in hidden launchers along the walls.

At dawn, the British launched a full-scale assault. Their infantry marched forward in perfect formation, confident that the Mysorean defenses were crumbling. But just as they reached within striking distance of the walls, Benki Nawab gave the signal.

A barrage of rockets lit up the sky, screaming through the air like fiery serpents. The British soldiers, unaccustomed to facing such weapons, panicked as the rockets rained down upon them. Unlike cannonballs, which were predictable, the rockets curved erratically through the sky, striking randomly and sowing chaos in the British ranks. Smoke filled the battlefield as rockets exploded, setting fires across the British lines and sending soldiers scrambling for cover.

Benki Nawab, standing atop the fort’s walls, watched as his rockets wreaked havoc below. His eyes burned with intensity, like the fire he commanded. But he knew this was only the beginning. The British would regroup, and he would need more than just rockets to win this battle.

As the day wore on, the British managed to recover from the initial shock and continued their assault. They brought in heavy artillery, intending to break through the fort’s walls. Benki Nawab knew that a direct confrontation with their cannons would be suicide, so he devised a daring plan.

That night, under the cover of darkness, Benki Nawab led a small group of his best soldiers on a secret mission. Using the rugged terrain around the fort to their advantage, they silently made their way around the British camp. The British were overconfident, believing the Mysoreans would stay within their walls. They had not anticipated the audacity of Benki Nawab.

As they approached the British artillery positions, Benki Nawab and his men crept through the shadows, disabling cannons and sabotaging ammunition stores. In a final stroke of brilliance, they set fire to the British gunpowder reserves, creating a massive explosion that echoed through the night, illuminating the entire battlefield in a brilliant flash of fire.

The British camp erupted into chaos. Soldiers scrambled in confusion as their own cannons were turned into smoldering ruins. Benki Nawab and his men retreated back to the fort before the British even knew what had hit them.

For the next several days, the siege dragged on, but Benki Nawab refused to yield. His soldiers, inspired by his unshakable resolve, fought with the ferocity of men defending their homes and families. Every time the British attempted an advance, they were met with a storm of rockets, arrows, and musket fire. Benki Nawab was everywhere on the battlefield—directing troops, manning the rocket launchers, and even joining his men on the front lines.

Finally, after weeks of brutal fighting, the British, demoralized and battered, decided to withdraw. The Siege of Nargund had turned into a humiliating defeat for General Matthews and his forces. They had underestimated the fire and fury of the Mysoreans, and more importantly, they had underestimated the brilliance of Benki Nawab.

As the British retreated, the people of Nargund cheered, hailing Benki Nawab as a hero. His defense of the fort had not only saved a key stronghold but had also shown the British that Mysore was not a land that would be easily conquered.

In the years that followed, Benki Nawab’s legend grew. He continued to serve Tipu Sultan, always at the forefront of Mysore’s battles, his name becoming synonymous with bravery and tactical genius. To the British, he was a dreaded foe, a man who seemed to command the very flames of battle. To his people, he was a symbol of hope, proof that no matter the odds, courage and ingenuity could overcome even the most formidable enemies.

Benki Nawab’s legacy, much like the rockets he wielded, soared high and bright, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Mysore’s fight for independence.

The battle of Pollilur

The year was 1780, and the winds of rebellion swept across the Deccan. Under the banner of the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, and his father, Hyder Ali, the kingdom of Mysore had become a symbol of resistance against British colonial ambitions in southern India. The British East India Company, growing increasingly bold, had sought to dominate the region, but the warriors of Mysore had other plans. Their defiance would culminate in one of the greatest victories ever recorded against the British: the Battle of Pollilur.

The British, under Colonel William Baillie, were advancing toward Conjeevaram to link up with the forces of Sir Hector Munro, intending to crush Hyder Ali’s growing power. But Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan had laid a trap for them. For weeks, the Mysorean army had carefully maneuvered, striking at British supply lines, weakening their position. Now, as Baillie’s forces marched with tired legs and hungry bellies, they were unknowingly walking into a masterstroke of military strategy.

Tipu Sultan, commanding the vanguard, had carefully chosen the plains of Pollilur for the final confrontation. He knew that the British, with their rigid European formations and reliance on artillery, would be vulnerable in the open terrain, surrounded by dense forests and hills that only Mysore’s forces knew how to navigate. The night before the battle, Tipu’s men prayed, sharpened their swords, and prepared their iron-cased rockets. Victory was in the air, and every Mysorean soldier could feel it.

At dawn on September 10, 1780, the British forces, weakened by disease, exhaustion, and a lack of supplies, entered the Pollilur plain. Baillie, believing he was still in control, began to position his men in traditional European lines. But as the sun rose higher, the sounds of the jungle began to shift. From the surrounding hills, drums began to beat, and war cries echoed across the battlefield. The British soon realized they were not alone.

Suddenly, out of the trees and from hidden positions, Mysorean cavalry, infantry, and war elephants poured onto the battlefield. Tipu’s cavalry, known for their speed and agility, cut through the British flanks like a scythe, their curved swords gleaming in the sunlight. Baillie, shocked by the ferocity and precision of the Mysorean attack, ordered his men to form a square, a formation designed to protect them from cavalry assaults. But this was exactly what Tipu had anticipated.

As the British soldiers huddled together in their tight square, they were about to experience something no European army had faced before: the devastating power of Mysore’s rockets. Tipu had been perfecting this weapon for years, and now, in the heat of battle, its full potential was unleashed. The iron-cased rockets, propelled by black powder, streaked through the sky with fiery tails, raining down upon the British lines. The rockets exploded on impact, scattering shrapnel and setting men, horses, and supplies ablaze. Panic spread through the British ranks as their square, which had seemed impenetrable moments before, was torn apart by the relentless bombardment.

Baillie tried desperately to regroup his men, but it was too late. Tipu’s infantry, armed with muskets and swords, surged forward, overwhelming the shattered British formations. War elephants, towering and unstoppable, smashed through the remaining lines, trampling anything in their path. The British artillery, which had been positioned at the rear, was destroyed before it could even be brought to bear.

In the chaos, Tipu Sultan himself rode across the battlefield, his black stallion cutting through the dust and smoke. His sword gleamed, and his presence inspired his troops to fight with even greater ferocity. His banner, emblazoned with the tiger, fluttered above the fray, a symbol of Mysore’s might. As the British lines collapsed, the Mysorean forces showed no mercy. They were fighting not just for their kingdom but for the right to remain free in the face of British domination.

By mid-afternoon, the battlefield was littered with British dead and wounded. Colonel Baillie, wounded and defeated, was captured along with the remnants of his army. The British force, which had once been seen as invincible, was utterly annihilated. For Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali, it was a moment of immense triumph. The Battle of Pollilur was not just a victory; it was a message to the world that Mysore would not bow to British imperialism.

In the aftermath, the Mysoreans celebrated their victory, but they knew the war was far from over. Still, the memory of Pollilur would forever be a reminder of their strength. It became a tale told around campfires, whispered in the streets of Srirangapatna, and carved into the annals of history. It was the day when the tiger of Mysore roared, and the might of the British was silenced.

Years later, British officers would speak in hushed tones of the rockets of Mysore, the ferocity of Tipu’s soldiers, and the brilliance of his strategy. The Battle of Pollilur was a rare moment when an Indian kingdom, through sheer will, intelligence, and the courage of its people, had defeated one of the world’s most powerful empires.

And for Tipu Sultan, standing atop the battlefield, sword in hand, the victory was not just for Mysore but for every soul who believed in the right to resist tyranny. The tiger had shown his claws, and the world would never forget.

Tipu's Mysore - An Industrial state

Tipu Sultan envisioned a prosperous and progressive state in Mysore and Industrialized Mysore to the greatest extent. He realized that Industrialization is the need of the hour and for any state to become self sufficient, industrialization is going to be the key.
He setup a wide array of industries in his dominions based on the conditions, geographical demographics of the particular region to compliment and boost the production and propagation of that particular trade. 

Ramanagar Silk industries

 He introduced and setup the silk industries in Ramnagar, the toy and wooden handicrafts industries in Channapatna, the state armoury in Srirangpatan, the highly fertile river delta of Srirangpatan and neighbouring Mandya was used for irrigation. Kolar for gold extraction, Mangalore for fisheries and ports, Kunigal for stud farming, Srirangpatan was also a seat of learning.

Channapatna toys

He envisioned Coorg for coffee production and timber. Chikamagalur is also known for coffee production till date. Nazarabad was the military research and training center where the Mysore army trained with the French.

Coffee crops from coorg

Mysoori or the Mysorean race

The term Mysore is derived from the name Mahishasura, it is an ancient establishment dating back to the era of chalukyas and much past it.
Mysore was not very relevant as a state nor at the helm of affairs until, it shone at the centrestage of the world during the reign of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

Mysore has been a melting pot of various cultures, Kannadigas (kshatriyas of the Chola, Chalukya dynasties, Vijayanagara Kingdom, etc.), the early Afghan settlers running away from the massacre of Genghis Khan via the land route, the Traders and Merchants of Arabia via the sea route, Warrior tribes from Samarkhand, the soldiers of Khanate, Marathas, vokkaligas and other local tribesmen. Apart from these the craftsmen, traders, merchants, farmers, common folk formed the backbone of the state economy.
All these different races mixed and comprised the people called the Mysooris or Mysoreans.
Fearless, Loyal, sturdy yet caring, accepting and tolerant.
This place has been known for it's accepting, tolerant and loving people (till date the people of karnataka are considered far tolerant towards immigrants from various other states)

The Mysorean, Mysoori (in Urdu) became prominent as a sturdy opposing entity to the the British empire in India. No Indian state nor any country can claim to equal the fear struck at the hearts of the English, than the forces of Mysore. A force to reckon with, the Mysorean Army was a single unit under the one command of their able leader. Technologically advanced, they had a strong Naval presence along the Malabar coast. They had trade ties with countries from Africa, Europe, Middle East and south east Asia and a strong industrial setup which was self sustaining.

Technology and Military enhancements

Tipu was a patron of Military enhancements, he believed in technological enhancements and is the Father of the modern Missile technology. His Army was well trained and he had a Naval base in coastal Mangalore. He was a great Military strategist but, much is said and praised regarding the military strategies of his great father Nawab Haider Ali Khan Bahadur, who despite being unable to read or write was one of the best military strategists to have ruled in the Indian subcontinent.

The weaponry of the Mysore sultanate was formidable and quite ahead of it's time during the 18th century.
Tipu commanded of the best cavalry and he himself rode to fight in his battles with the british, the Nawab of Hyderabad and the Marathas. He believed in peaceful existence between neighbors but, he had two major thorns in his shoes- The Nawab of Hyderabad and the Marathas. The Nawab's overtures to the British and his constant betrayal was a cause of concern.
Tippu Sultan is the father of the rocket and missile technology. He extensively used the first known missiles called "cushoons" against the british in all his wars with them.

Mysore was developed as the foremost nation in the field of military advancement and technology in the Indian subcontinent. The Mysore army trained with the French military to be well versed in European military tactics. The armory of Mysore produced exquisite military equipment which are well respected even today. The exclusive bubri marked equipment bearing the insignia of the Mysore state were a beauty to behold.

Tracing my heritage in the land of the Sultan

Me being a resident of Bangalore, an urbanite. Whose roots and family tree span past the Mysore sultanate era, it has always been my forte to trace my heritage back to the erstwhile Mysore state.
The sense of pride in carrying the badge of being a Mysorian in my chest always emanates from within me.
My efforts have got me to like minded souls and experts who are dedicated to researching and unearthing facts and the hidden truths from the history of the sultanate of Mysore.
Firstly, the seminary Darul Umoor secondly, Prof. Sheikh Ali who is the former vice chancellor of the Mangalore and Goa Universities not to forget Ex-President of India A.P.J Abdul Kalam and Bhagwan Gidwani the author of 'the sword of Tippu Sultan.'
It is shameful to note that, a few authors of questionable repute are maligning the image of the Sultan for their own petty gains, reasons vary from being a half-baked religious bigot to a politically motivated salvo.
Here is a video tribute to the people of Mysore, to our valiant King, to our proud culture and heritage!

Depiction of the Sultan

Being a religious, humble man that the Sultaun was, he never had himself pictorically represented as it is forbidden in Islam. The only representations of the Sultaun are those derived from the works of British artists who as a matter of fact never had seen the Sultaun in their lifetime.
Their interpretations are purely imaginative and more so maligned intentionally for propagandist reasons.
The only true work which can be accepted is that of a French Artist who visited the Mysore Durbar and carved the image of the Sultaun upon returning back home. which is the same picture as on this blog. The current popular depiction of the Sultaun which is widely circulated is that of a Bald, overweight, clean shaven Sultaun, who is depicted that way to please the British masses and show their most formidable foe as belittled and a no-show. The Indian government is circulating the same because it is in their interest to show a non-religious Sultaun which, has now become the only way to tag someone as SECULAR.

Muslim historians who have seen their Sultaun give the following depiction-"The Noble Sultan was of tall stature more than 6ft in height, broad shoulders, chest being over 40 adi(inch), explicit facial features, fair with a Roman nose, which gave him a dignified look nothing short of artistic beauty."

Can we go with the British depictions???

Alexander Beatson, considered to be a propagandist Author who, published a volume entitled "View of the Origin and Conduct of the War with the late Tippoo Sultaun" on the Fourth Mysore War, described Tippu Sultan as follows: "His stature was about five feet eight inches; he had a short neck, square shoulders, and was rather corpulent: his limbs were small, particularly his feet and hands; he had large full eyes, small arched eyebrows, and an aquiline nose; his complexion was fair, and the general expression of his countenance, not void of dignity".

What do you think of a Man who undergoes military training from the age of 6 or 7, a master swordsman and a legendary horseman, whose genes are from a father who was a Khan and massive at that. Nawab Haidar Ali was a big guy, one of the giants of the Mysore army.
Tipu Sultaun was called the "Tiger of Mysore". It is said that Tipu Sultaun was hunting in the forest with a French friend. He came face to face with a tiger. His gun did not work, and his dagger fell on the ground as the tiger jumped on him. He wrestled the tiger with his bare hands and tore its jaws open. That earned him the name "the Tiger of Mysore".

Two depictions, both are poles apart...

It clearly shows the intentions of an imperialist, extremist and narrow thinking British society, a country which milked an entire nation of it's riches, robbed them of their ideals, maligned their history and bled them dry. Not just that, they even sowed the seeds of eternal hatred between two communities who once ate their meals in one platter, shared their joys and sorrows, overlooked by their righteous king!!

Birth of an Icon.

Tipu Sultan was born at Devanahalli, in present-day Bangalore district, some 45 kilometers North of Bangalore City. The exact date of his birth is not known; various sources claim various dates between 1749 and 1753. According to one widely accepted dating, he was born on November 10, 1750 (Friday, 10th Zil-Hijja, 1163 AH). His father, Haidar Ali, was the de-facto ruler of Mysore. His mother, Fakhr-un-nissa (also called Fatima), was a daughter of Shahal Tharique, governor of the fort of Cuddapah. Tipu Sultan was a religious man practising Sunni branch of Islam, he was named after the famous Sufi saint Tippu Mastaan.

Long live his Vision !

Sultan Fateh Ali Tipu (November 20, 1750, Devanahalli – May 4, 1799, Srirangapatan/Sanj-patan), also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was the de facto ruler of the Indian Kingdom of Mysore from 1782 (the time of his father's death) until his own demise in 1799. He was the first son of Haidar Ali and Fatima alias Fakhr-un-nissa.

Tipu Sultan was undoubtedly the greatest Ruler produced by the Indian subcontinent, the only resistance provided to the imperialist British forces, the only king to have not surrendered or submitted to the British, the only King to have died in the battlefield, he did not flee from the battle in the face of defeat and death. A fascinating figure of 18th century, who offered his blood to write the history of free India. He had a vision and a mission in life. The vision was to make his people enlightened and prosperous, and mission was to liberate his land from the yoke of the colonials. His short but stormy rule is significant because of his view that only that life was worth living which would unfold the drama of human freedom, not only political freedom, but also social freedom, economic freedom, cultural freedom, and freedom from want, hunger, apathy, ignorance and superstition. His definition of State itself was organized energy for freedom.

Heaps of praise and respect are showered at the Sultan not just by his admirers but also the foes.

"In the management of the horse, the bow, the lance or the musket, [Tipu] shone pre-eminent. He was also an excellent scholar, and even though inured to war from infancy, reputed a good poet and was respected in the army as an excellent and indefatigable soldier."

The Hon. John Lindsay, Journal of An Imprisonment in Seringapatam, in 'Lives of the Lindsays' (1840).