Tipu Sultan, born in 1753, was the son of Haidar Ali, Sultan of Mysore. Instructed by French officers in his father's employ, he commanded a corps of cavalry in the Carnatic War of 1767 and later distinguished himself in the Maratha War of 1775-79. In December 1782 he succeeded his father, and following his defeat of the British (1st Mysore War, 1780-84) made peace in 1784. Following territorial expansion, the British declared war on him in 1790 culminating in Tipu's defeat near Seringapatam on May 4th the same year.
Throughout his rule Tipu showed great ability as a leader and innovator introducing his own calendar and currency

The tiger and tiger-stripe motif (bubri) reflect the Ruler of Mysore's obsession with this animal which is found in his weapons, his furniture and even his wardrobe. Of the weapons, swords, guns, pistols, cannon and mortars are recorded. The tiger was further incorporated into his name, as well as that of his father, and also served as a kind of armorial bearing


Hilts of similar form are to be found on a sword in the royal collection at Windsor (Windsor, 451), another in the collection of the 2nd Lord Clive, to-day preserved at Powis Castle, and another, lent anonymously to 'The Indian Heritage' exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1982 (catalogue no. 468). The first of these was found on the body of Tipu Sultan at the time of his death