‘Tipu indirectly paved way for Karnataka unification'

Tipu Sultan had indirectly paved the way for unification of Karnataka by bringing all the Kannada-speaking areas under Mysuru province, said University College Principal Prof Uday Kumar M A.

Delivering a talk on Tipu Sultan during Tipu Sultan Jayanti programme organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat and Kannada and Culture department here, on Saturday, he said Tipu had laid foundation for the administrative reforms in Mysuru region by giving thrust to agriculture, irrigation and effective methods of Tax collection.

“It was Tipu who introduced sericulture to Mysuru,” said Prof Uday Kumar, who added that he had involved experts to ensure transfer of technology on sericulture to the people in his state.

“Before Tipu, the agricultural land was in the hands of a few landlords, and mutts. As Tipu had included all sections of the society in his army,
he started a tradition of handing over land to his soldiers, which not only helped in the economic empowerment of the lower strata of the society but also doubled the farm production.”

To oppose the British colonialism, he had developed good relationship with the French and Turkistan, he said. It is sad that the contributions of Tipu is not being discussed at length, he felt and stressed the need for an indepth study on Tipu.

MLC Ivan D’Souza said those who accept Constitution accept Tipu as well. A few would have been hurt when Tipu tried to expand his territory.

Those who oppose Tipu have no knowledge of the history of Tipu. Unable to pay war indemnity to British, Tipu had surrendered his two sons as hostages to the British. Is it not patriotism? Ivan asked.

MLC Harish Kumar said it is not right to observe Tipu Jayanti in four walls of a room. It should be observed in public.

Leaders skip prog

District In-Charge Minister U T Khader did not attend the programme as he was accompanying his daughter Hawwa Naseema, who is representing India in the third edition of the Sheika Fatima Bint Mubarak International Holy Quran Competition, in Dubai. The competition is part of Dubai International Holy Quran Award (Dihqa).

The Minister’s message on Tipu Jayanti was read on the occasion. Along with Minister Khader, JD(S) leaders including MLCs B M Farooq and S L Bhoje Gowda, whose names were printed on the invitation, skipped the programme.

None of the JD(S) leaders from Dakshina Kannada district were present.