Tiger: The Life of Tipu Sultan [Jul 18, 2016] Brittlebank, Kate by Kate Brittlebank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not much exists on the life of Tipu Sultan that isn’t enveloped in a modern, contemporary hatred by the descendants of those whom he ruled over. So when I heard this book recommended as a balanced introductory read, I jumped at the chance to read it.
However, I must warn any fellow curious readers, this is not a normal historical biography. The book itself is very short, and while the content is written well and provides some unique insights, there is no overarching narrative. Chapters seem to be assigned without structure, not enough for me to feel too disorientated, but enough so that I feel somewhat cheated of the full story of the great Tipu Sultan.
I would consider books by Buddy Levy (on Hernan Cortes) and Lawrence Bergreen (on Columbus) to be good examples on how such a book and subsequent narrative can be written, so if you are searching for an accessible yet comprehensive book on Tipu Sultan, continue your search elsewhere. Given the availability on neutral, knowledgeable books on Tipu in the English language however, one takes what one can get.
It is important to state that I did benefit from this book, and just because it was not what I expected, it doesn’t mean that the book itself is not informative or useful. Kate Brittlebank gave some very notable insights into the psyche of Tipu himself from the books, journals and notes he himself had written, and it was an astute analysis that I found myself impressed by. I end this short book with a greater knowledge, appreciation and respect for Tipu Sultan, his commitment to an orderly regiment as ruler, his doting behaviour to his sons and his love for knowledge and curiosity.
I would recommend this read for anyone wishing to learn the basics about Tipu Sultan, but I remain on the lookout for a more in-depth work on his life and rule.