UPSC Prelims 2001 Q61: Modern History – Advent Of Europeans & British Expansion
Who among the following Indian rulers established embassies in foreign countries on
modern lines?
- (a) Haider Ali
- (b) Mir Qasim
- (c) Shah Alam II
- (d) Tipu Sultan
Answer: (d) Tipu Sultan
Explanation
Indian ruler who set up embassies abroad on modern lines
| Ruler | Foreign contacts |
|---|---|
| Tipu Sultan (1782-1799) | Sent embassies to France, Turkey (Constantinople), Afghanistan and Mauritius to seek allies against the British |
| Haider Ali | Dealt with the French, but did not set up embassies abroad |
| Mir Qasim | Nawab of Bengal; fought the British at Buxar (1764) |
| Shah Alam II | Mughal Emperor; gave the Diwani of Bengal to the Company (1765) |
Tipu Sultan sent diplomatic missions to Constantinople, Paris and Kabul, and is said to have planted a 'Tree of Liberty' and joined a Jacobin club. He is the Indian ruler known for embassies on modern lines.
Answer: (d) Tipu Sultan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Haider Ali did not set up embassies abroad.
- (b) Incorrect. Mir Qasim did not send embassies to foreign countries.
- (c) Incorrect. Shah Alam II depended on the British and Marathas.
- (d) CORRECT. Tipu Sultan sent embassies to France, Turkey and other countries.
Key point
Tipu: modern calendar, new coinage, weights and measures; died at Seringapatam in 1799 (Fourth Anglo-Mysore War).
Remember
Embassies abroad on modern lines = Tipu Sultan.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Haider Ali, Tipu's father.
- Thinking only the Mughal Emperor dealt with foreign powers.
- Forgetting Tipu's French connection.
Exam tip
Tipu Sultan is the 'modernising' ruler in UPSC questions.
Sources
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India, chapter on Mysore and Tipu Sultan
- NCERT Class VIII — Our Pasts III, chapter 'From Trade to Territory'