Hyder Ali’s Relations with the British Government
By Narendra Krishna Sinha
Summary
Focusing on the years 1769–75 between the Anglo‑Mysore wars, this paper reassesses Hyder Ali’s dealings with the British East India Company. The 1769 Treaty of Madras ended the First Anglo‑Mysore War with a mutual defence clause obliging each party to assist the other if attacked. Hyder regarded this as central to his strategy against Maratha incursions, whereas the Company viewed it as inconvenient and failed to honour its obligations. When the Marathas attacked Mysore, the British offered no aid, prompting Hyder to ally with the Marathas and the Nizam and to occupy Baramahal. The paper examines Hyder’s correspondence, his diplomatic overtures to European powers and his efforts to modernise his army. It argues that British accusations of treachery ignored their own breach of treaty and that Hyder’s hostility stemmed from legitimate grievances. As the Company negotiated alliances elsewhere, Hyder prepared for renewed conflict, setting the stage for the Second Anglo‑Mysore War.
Conclusion
The article concludes that deteriorating relations between Hyder Ali and the British arose from the Company’s failure to uphold the 1769 treaty; Hyder’s subsequent alliances and reforms were pragmatic responses to British duplicity and regional threats.