South Indian States in 18th Century

Establishment of Order: Rulers in South Indian states prioritized law and order, creating economically viable administrative entities with varying degrees of success.

Non-Communal Politics : Political landscapes in South Indian states remained non-communal or secular. Rulers, driven by similar economic and political motivations, fostered an environment of inclusivity.

Religious Neutrality: Discrimination based on religious grounds was absent in public appointments, be it in civil or military roles. Rebels opposing state authority similarly paid little attention to the religious affiliations of the rulers.

Struggles of Landholders: Persisting economic crisis saw an increase in zamindars and jagirdars vying for a shrinking agricultural income, intensifying the challenges faced by the struggling peasantry.

Limited Modernization Initiatives: Despite attempts to sustain internal and foreign trade, South Indian states fell short in implementing crucial modernization measures for their foundational industrial and commercial structures.

In the 18th century, several significant states in South India grappled with these challenges.

Hyderabad and the Carnatic

Noble in the Post-Aurangzeb Era:
Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah, a prominent noble in the post-Aurangzeb era, founded the state of Hyderabad in 1724.

De Facto Independence:
Though not openly declaring independence, Asaf Jah acted as an independent ruler, conducting wars, making peace, and bestowing titles without reference to Delhi.

Tolerance Towards Hindus:
Asaf Jah pursued a tolerant policy towards Hindus, exemplified by having a Hindu, Purim Chand, as his Dewan. He solidified his rule by establishing an orderly administration in Deccan.

Post-Asaf Jah Era Challenges:
Following Asaf Jah’s death in 1748, Hyderabad faced disruptions similar to those in Delhi.

Carnatic’s Autonomy:
The Carnatic, originally a subah of the Mughal Deccan under Nizam’s authority, witnessed a parallel trend. The Nawab of Carnatic, deputy governor, secured hereditary control, breaking free from the Viceroy of Deccan’s influence.

Mysore

Haidar Ali: Rise to Power and Expansion of Mysore

From Humble Beginnings:
Born in 1721, Haidar Ali, hailing from an obscure family, began as a petty officer in the Mysore army. Despite lacking formal education, his intellect, energy, and military prowess propelled him forward.

Military Innovations and Conquests:
Recognizing the value of western military training, Haidar Ali overthrew Nanjaraj in 1761, consolidating power over a weakened Mysore. He expanded his territories, asserting control over rebellious poligars and conquering Bidnur, Sunda, Sera, Canara, and Malabar.

Religious Tolerance and Wars:
Haidar Ali practiced religious tolerance, appointing Hindus to key positions. Engaged in continuous conflicts, he faced off against Maratha Sardars, the Nizam, and British forces. Notably, in 1769, he successfully reached the walls of Madras against the British.

Tipu Sultan: Innovator and Military Strategist

Complex Character and Innovations:
Tipu Sultan, Haidar Ali’s successor, ruled Mysore until his demise in 1799. He was an innovator, introducing a new calendar, coinage system, and scales of weights and measures. His library showcased diverse interests, including religion, history, military science, medicine, and mathematics.

Naval Ambitions and Legacy:
Tipu Sultan aimed to modernize Mysore’s navy post-1796. Despite being recklessly brave, he faced challenges as a hasty and unstable commander. His opposition to the rising English power marked him as their formidable adversary in India. Tipu Sultan’s contributions extended beyond warfare, including financial support for temple construction and gifts to various religious institutions. His death occurred during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799.

Kerala

Travancore’s Rise under King Martanda Varma (Early 18th Century):

King Martanda Varma transformed Travancore into a prominent state after 1729.
Organized a modern army with European officers, equipped with advanced weapons.
Constructed a contemporary arsenal.

Territorial Expansion and Development:

Used the strengthened army to expand Travancore’s boundaries northward.
Achieved territorial dominance from Kanyakumari to Cochin.
Undertook irrigation projects, built roads, and promoted foreign trade.

Consolidation of Power (1763):

By 1763, Travancore, Cochin, and Calicut absorbed or subordinated smaller principalities.
Emergence of three major states in Kerala.

Haidar Ali’s Invasion (1766):

Haidar Ali invaded Kerala in 1766.
Annexed northern Kerala up to Cochin, including Calicut’s territories.

Cultural and Educational Advancements in Trivandrum:

Trivandrum, Travancore’s capital, thrived as a center of Sanskrit scholarship.
Flourished during the latter half of the 18th century.

Rama Varma’s Multifaceted Leadership:

Rama Varma, Martanda Varma’s successor, excelled as a poet, scholar, musician, and actor.
Culturally inclined leader fluent in English, actively engaged in European affairs.
Stayed updated through newspapers and journals from London, Calcutta, and Madras.

Conclusion

In the 18th century, South Indian states faced economic challenges, landholder struggles, and limited modernization. Rulers prioritized non-communal politics and religious neutrality, fostering inclusivity. Hyderabad achieved quasi-independence under Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah. The Carnatic asserted autonomy, and Mysore, led by Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan, demonstrated military prowess and modernization. In Kerala, Travancore, guided by King Martanda Varma, experienced territorial expansion and cultural flourishing. This marked a transformative period in South Indian history.

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