Tipu Sultan and the Malabar Trade Routes – Commercial Perspectives

Abstract

This paper examines the economic designs of Tipu sultan in linking Mysore trade routes with Malabar Coast. Tipu sultan focused on increasing trade activities connecting Malabar which had commercial perspectives.  Tipu Sultan had visions about expansion of economy through trade but he had to fight Marathas, Hyderabad Nizam and Nawab of Travancore. Besides the mighty British East India company was imposing economic expansion ideas by interfering in the political squabbles. Tipu Sultan had commissioned officers to accumulate accurate information on accessibility and abundance of natural resources of neighbouring regions of Mysore state. The Commercial Regulations introduced by Tipu Sultan in the year 1793-94 were scrupulous and holistic regulations to revise commercial spreading out.  The British, who  depended  largely on Malabar spices were affected  by this trade blockade. Tipu sultan monopolized trading articles like sandalwood, betel nut, pepper, cardamom etc. Tipu Sultan had visions about expansion of economy through trade. Tipu sultan could not realise his plans, but was successful enough to generate trade points along Malabar coast to make Mysore Kingdom economically strong enough to fight the Mighty British.