S Jaishankar Highlights Complex Legacy of Tipu Sultan at Book Launch

The External Affairs Minister criticized historical narratives for oversimplifying Tipu Sultan's reign, emphasizing the need for balanced perspectives.

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described Tipu Sultan as a 'complex figure' during the launch of Vikram Sampath's book on the Mysore ruler.
• Jaishankar noted that Tipu Sultan's resistance to British colonialism has been widely recognized, but other aspects of his rule have been underexplored or neglected.
• He criticized the 'cherry-picking' of historical facts, arguing that narratives have often tailored Tipu's legacy for political convenience.
• The minister highlighted Tipu's diplomatic engagements, including alliances with France and outreach to rulers in Turkey, Afghanistan, and Persia, as a reflection of his multifaceted strategies.
• Jaishankar called for open-minded scholarship and genuine debate to better understand India's complex historical figures and their global interactions.

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