Q. Consider the following statements with respect to Tipu Sultan:

1. He was the founder of Mysore state.
2. He gave donation for the repair of goddess Sarda temple in Shringeri after it was damaged in a Maratha raid.
3. He vigorously promoted the foreign trade of Mysore state.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 2 and 3
Notes: Mysore state was among the numerous smaller successor states of Vijayanagara Empire. Early in the 18th century, two ministers, Nanjaraj and Devraj had seized power. Hyder Ali, overthrew Nanjaraj in 1761 CE. Tipu Sultan was the son and successor of Hyder Ali to the throne of Mysore state. So, statement 1 is incorrect. Tipu was described by British historians as a zealot, but this is not borne out of facts. He was personally orthodox, but he was tolerant to other religions. He gave money for the construction of temple of goddess Sarda in Shringeri after it was damaged in a Maratha raid in 1791 CE. He regularly gave gifts to other temples also. Thus, statement 2 is correct. Tipu had grasped the importance of trade and industry. He understood that economic strength was the key to military strength. He made some attempts to introduce industries in India by importing foreign workmen as experts. He gave state support to many industries. He sent embassies to foreign countries like Iran and Pegu to develop foreign trade. He also tried to set up a trading company on the pattern of European companies. So, statement 3 is correct.