Vikram Sampath Discusses the Politics of Iconography and Contradiction

PUNE: “Tipu Sultan, who slaughtered thousands of Hindus and Christians in the name of religion, asks Shankaracharya to perform Shatchandi Yadnya for his long life by providing financial assistance for the reconstruction of Sringeri Math, studies astrology himself and also takes guidance from astrologers of different religions are the facts that indicate that Tipu Sultan’s Personality is full of contradiction”, opined noted author Vikram Sampath while speaking at the program titled ‘The Life and Times of Tipu Sultan’ organized by Pune Samwad at the C V Raman Auditorium at IISER Pune yesterday. Amit Paranjape took his interview during this program on various facets of Tipu Sultan. Vijay Gokhale, Former Foreign Secretary of India, and Pune Samwad Convenor Manoj Pochat were present on the occasion. Vikram Sampath’s book on Tipu Sultan titled ‘The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum’ was released on the occasion.

“Tipu Sultan was extremely cruel. He killed non-Muslims in large numbers who did not convert. Various Islamic invaders committed such killings in large numbers. But today’s Muslims are not responsible for any of these misdeeds. So, how long will we continue to hide the facts based on arguments that one community’s sentiments will get hurt? Shall we celebrate the Birth Anniversary of a person like Tipu Sultan by washing away all his cruelty and misdeeds? Is the politics of appeasement of a particular community is making individuals like Tipu Sultan a deliberate icon”, Sampath posed questions during this interview.

“15 years ago my property was burnt after an article written by me on Tipu Sultan appeared in a newspaper. Threatening letters were also given to my parents. After that my mother made me swear that I would not talk about Tipu Sultan in public. A few years ago my mother passed away so I got free from this oath and decided to complete my book on Tipu Sultan. I had a long wait to do this for about 15 years and because of that the book has become a bit bigger at about 900 pages”, said Sampath.

Amit Paranjpe spoke to Vikram Sampat on various issues such as the relationship between the Maratha and Mysore Empires, the end of Tipu Sultan, his father Hyder Ali and his tales of cruelty, and the use of rockets by Hyder Ali and Tipu in the war.

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Gokhale said, “History, like science, comes to conclusions by studying various tools and evidence like archeology, numismatics, ancient languages and manuscripts, art and architecture. History is not limited only to kings and their royal families, and their battles but it helps us to understand the social structure, culture, and moral values of that time. Today, when other countries are trying to impose their values on us it is important to know our roots so the knowledge of history and our culture is of paramount importance.”

Manoj Pochat, coordinator of Pune Samvad gave the welcome remarks and Durgesh played the role of an anchor for the event.

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