Tipu Sultan had little success in setting forth a course of change significantly different from the general experience of 18th century crisis of Indian politics and society where public life tended over and over to become a system of plundering.

The 18th Century Crisis: A System of Plundering

The disintegration of the Mughal Empire led to a power vacuum filled by ambitious regional rulers – Marathas, Sikhs, and various independent kingdoms. This resulted in constant warfare, unstable alliances, and a focus on extracting maximum revenue from the peasantry. The zamindari system, while existing earlier, became increasingly exploitative as intermediaries squeezed resources from cultivators. Military fiscalism, where the army was used for plunder and revenue collection, was rampant. The British East India Company, initially a trading entity, actively participated in this system, leveraging its growing military strength to secure favorable terms and extract wealth.

Tipu Sultan’s Policies: Continuity and Change

Land Revenue and Agriculture

Tipu Sultan implemented several land revenue policies. He conducted a land survey in 1782-84, similar to those undertaken by Alauddin Khalji and Akbar, aiming for a more accurate assessment of revenue potential. He introduced new systems of land revenue collection, like the polaj system, which involved periodic assessments. However, these policies, while intended to be more efficient, often resulted in increased revenue demands and hardship for the peasantry. While he provided loans to peasants, these were often tied to stringent repayment conditions. Therefore, while there was an attempt at systematic revenue collection, the fundamental objective of maximizing revenue remained consistent with the prevailing practices.

Military Organization

Tipu Sultan is renowned for his military innovations, including the adoption of modern weaponry, the establishment of a standing army, and the organization of military units along European lines. He established armories at Dindigul and Srirangapatna to manufacture weapons. He also experimented with rocket technology, which proved effective against the British. However, maintaining this modern army required substantial financial resources, which were largely obtained through increased taxation and trade monopolies. The army, while modern in its organization, was still used to expand his territory and enforce his authority, often through coercive means.

Trade and Commerce

Tipu Sultan actively promoted trade with foreign powers, including France, the Ottoman Empire, and Persia, aiming to break the British monopoly. He established a state trading organization and implemented policies to encourage exports. However, he also imposed strict monopolies on key commodities like sandalwood, pepper, and salt, controlling prices and restricting private trade. This state control, while intended to benefit the Mysore economy, often led to resentment among merchants and consumers. His attempts to control trade were less about fostering a free market and more about directing wealth towards the state treasury.

Administrative Reforms

Tipu Sultan introduced several administrative reforms, including a centralized bureaucracy and a system of courts. He abolished internal tariffs and standardized weights and measures. However, these reforms were largely aimed at strengthening his control over the state and improving revenue collection. His administration was often characterized by strict discipline and a reliance on loyal officials, which sometimes led to corruption and abuse of power.

Evaluating the Change

While Tipu Sultan undoubtedly possessed vision and implemented several innovative policies, it is difficult to argue that he fundamentally altered the ‘system of plundering’ prevalent in 18th-century India. His policies, while modernizing in some aspects, were ultimately geared towards strengthening his state and maximizing its resources, often at the expense of his subjects. The increased revenue demands, trade monopolies, and reliance on military force were consistent with the exploitative practices of other rulers of the period. He was a product of his time, operating within the same constraints and driven by similar ambitions as his contemporaries.