Posted on: 8 December 2011

Louis XVI receives the ambassadors of Tippu Sultan in 1788, Voyer after Emile Wattier, 19th century.

Proposals of Tippu Sahib :

Following the 1783 Treaty of Versailles and the removal of French support, Tippu Sahib, son of Hyder Ali, was unable to recover Mangalore from the British, although he managed to re-capture it after a 10-month siege in 1784.[11] He finally made peace with the British in Spring 1784.[12]

In 1786, Tippu Sahib nevertheless sent an embassy to France through Constantinople, although the embassy had to be cancelled.[13] In July 1787, Tippu Sabib sent a new embassy directly to Paris, formed of three ambassadors Mohammed Dervich Khan, Akbar Ali Khan and Mohammad Osman Khan, who were accompanied by the French trader from Pondicherry, M. Monneron. After arriving in Toulon, the ambassadors were able to meet with Louis XVI in August 1788 in Versailles.[14] However France, which was now at peace with London, did not wish to resume hostilities.[15]

Tippu Sahib again proposed an offensive and defensive alliance to France in October 1794, and April 1796.[16] France was hampered in its support to India by the French Revolution, but contacts would resume with the rise of Napoléon.

Read more :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco-Indian_alliances


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There should have been grander monuments for Tipu in independent India.

Note that Louis XVI is standing to receive Tipu Sultan's ambassadors as a mark of respect. In contrast, the Mughal Emperors remained seated when receiving ambassadors from Britain and Europe. Compare the courtesies extended in the West and the East.

Asad Ahmed : Not really ! I am afraid we are reading too deep into this picture. I guess the Delhi Durbar video explains it all. Here were Heads of large kingdoms... who were supposed to bow before the the Emperor and not turn their back to him ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsROlr0WXmc&feature=related Or else...this would happen to them : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16051168

The Maharajah of Baroda did have a backbone. In my experience, the British do appreciate chivalry, and that is why he was forgiven afterwards . His activities later show that he was an enlightened ruler and, perhaps, this act was deliberate to show defiance, politely.

This discussion reminds me of a visit by another king to the great Mughal Darbar at Agra in another age.It reminds me of the great pride and courage shown in walking away and refusing the "Khhillat" by the said King to the perceived insult meted out by the Great Mughal Padshah!