Sir,

The recent order of the State Government constituting an expert panel to review textbook content on Tipu has raised heckles among Opposition parties. Lessons in history should depict true historical facts and should not be distorted to suit the political ideology or the agenda of political parties.

As per historians, Tipu has both positives and negatives. His contribution in streamlining the administration, funding for development of Sringeri temple and fighting the British in collaboration with the French to protect his kingdom are all positives.

However, the massacre of thousands of Kodavas, the Nayars of Malabar, Mandyam Iyengars and Christians of Mangalore and forcible conversion of Hindus are all indicators of his negative traits.

To be truthful to history, the expert committee should include both the facets of Tipu’s rule for the benefit of the students — after all, history cannot be changed to suit one’s political ideology.

– K.C. Biddappa, Senior Vice-President, ITC Ltd. (Retd.), Lalitha Mahal Road, 6.11.2019

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