After becoming king Tipu firstly held the royal court. At this time Deewan, Kamruddin and other courtiers were present there. The subject in debate was war policy. “Kamruddin you informed that Nana Pharnavis will reach here soon. Many days have passed and I couldn’t get even smell in air.’’
“What to say Your Highness” Kamruddin stood and bowed his head in Tipu’s honour, “When I departed from there then he informed that in a short time I shall set out but…”
Discussion was on then a sentry came in and said, “Your Highness! Messenger of Nizam seek permission to be present in the royal court.”
“Nizam’s messenger!” All astonished. Tipu put a glance at Deewan. Deewan moved his head in approbation. Actually the messenger was a deputy commander of the Nizam’s forces.
He came in and saluted.
“What brought you here?” Tipu asked seriously.
“I have brought an application of Nizam in your service.”
“Carry on.”
‘‘According to Nizam enmity is never good. The neighbour always proves helpful.”
“Explain clearly what do you want to say?”
“Your Highness on my own behalf I say nothing. Tongue is mine while words is of Nizam. He whole heartedly wishes friendship with you. He does not desire the destruction of Mysore. He wishes you to accept friendship of ruler of Hyderabad and the Company Govt. He assures that British will return immediately.’’
“And if I refuse then…?”
“Then end would be dangerous.”
“What would happen?”
“British cannot help conquering Mysore. Nizam has sympathy with you that’s why…”
“False, Babble!” Tipu stood up of the throne. “Nizam is not a reliable person. If he were the well wisher of Mysore then he might have not provided shelter to our offender Karim Shah in Hyderabad.”
‘‘Karim Shah is your brother your Highness. He himself wishes that you befriend Company Govt. and Nizam.”
“It shall be never so.”
“Be thoughtful Your Highness. Company Govt. and Nizam said that if you agree then time to consider over this proposal can be given.”
“I already considered. Told your Nizam I need not his sympathy. He is deceptive and fifth columnist of native land. Now his and mine decision will be finalised in battle field.”
“You are insulting our Nizam, Your Highness.”
“I am telling you the bitter truth commander.”
“I think you should reconsider. Blood shed…”
“You are a messenger, and be a messenger only commander. Do not try to be my counsellor.”
“Better, then your reply is negative.”
“Yes.”
Messenger saluted as a formality and turned back. All courtiers sitting in royal court were beholding him with red eyes.
After the departure of messenger Kamruddin said, “It is better Your Highness you reply boldly. This ill fated Nizam doesn’t rest in peace. He wishes that we should become slave of the British.”
“I follow well his each mischief.”
Then Deewan said, “Follow his language. He says befriend Nizam, British will go back automatically. Does not we understand this much that what Nizam’s friendship means. Friendship with him means friendship of Company. This friendship will never exist. He might thought Tipu is a child and would not be able to follow his craftiness.”
“I would reply him for his craftiness in the battle field. I can never forget that General Demonson is the killer of my father.”
“This all has happened due to Karim Shah. You see the British will definitely deceive him.”
“Same is the main trouble that our emissary is with them.’’ Deewan sighed deeply.
‘‘Deewan Ji, one day he will have to repent. He will shed blood tears. He will be in same position. Between two stools he fell to the ground.’’ Then Tipu sat on the royal seat and started accusing him. He was angry at his ignorance. He was very upset that Nizam is getting good use of his ignorance. How innocent is he that does not have sense for his good or bad.
It was Tipu’s understanding would that he could have followed that Karim Shah is not innocent. He is greedy and deceitful.
When deputy commander explained Tipu’s response General Demonson and Karim Shah sighed in relief. Karim Shah had believed that the day is now not far when he would be sitting on royal seat of Mysore. Tipu’s refusal means war and if war starts then death of Tipu is must.
General Demonson was happy. He looked Nizam with angry eyes. Nizam dazzled.
Tubharjang was sitting beside him. He also had a chance to speak. He said, “Mr. Nawab you have performed your duty. It is now Tipu’s fate. You have love and affection for him while he mistaken you as his enemy.”
“You are right. I did not want destruction of Mysore being a neighbour and Hyder Ali was not died if he had accepted my proposal.”
“That does not matter. As he sow so shall he reap.” Tubharjang said, “Now as Tipu will sow so shall he reap.”
“What to say Tubharjang. Time is such that one cannot think his welfare even. Now-a-days it is foolishness to do good. At least one must see the consequences.” Nizam said in uneasy manner—“The British pondered all over India. They become very powerful. To have enmity with them is not safe. Hence I befriended them an in comfort. Just see that silly boy, he is ready to fight with British.”
Karim Shah was happy learning that Tipu has rejected the friendship offer of Nizam. He said, “My Nawab! I beg a pardon on behalf of elder brother who has done arrongance refusing you suggestion. I request you to safeguard my Mysore. My subjects should not face any trouble.”
“You are right Karim Shah, I am aware. But one point is to be noted.”
“What is that Mr. Nawab?”
“Of course Tipu is brave, victory over him in war is not so easy.”
“You are not feeble than him.”
“It is not so Karim Shah.”
“Then?”
“There is power in Tipu’s sword. He himself is delige, tempest. Do not forget he is king of Mysore at present. He is tiger of Mysore. I had seen his battle excellence.”
“You are so confured Mr. Nizam.”
“I do not confused but think when Tipu shall come to the point then not only in my army, in British army too there will be a stampede.”
“Even then he will be alone at any time, you possess four times more power than him. You are a clever hunter and hunter like you is capable to pat the tiger in cage. Same will happen to Tipu. He will be bent down. Either he will be killed in war or he will be captured.
Even then Nizam was not happy to hear Tipu’s flaw. Hence his tone became bitter and he said, “If you are comparing yourself with Tipu then keep it in mind there is vast difference. He is a gallant soldier and you do not possess such bravery. To say fair you are a timid.”
“This is not so Mr. Nizam. Let the time come I shall show you my excellence. Now tell me one thing.”
“Yes.”
‘‘I am not aware of the secret routes of Mysore fort. If I get acquaintance of those paths somehow I shall get eighty percent success.”
“How?”
“We shall blast the Mysore fort.”
“No need of that if we are able to know those secret paths. Movement of army through those paths is very easy.”
“All right we shall do the same. Can you tell us about those secret paths?”
“You just call for one who can draws maps. I shall acquaint accurate so that our army will suffer no injury or harm.”
“Alright if it happens so I shall fulfil your each desire.” Saying such Nizam eyes delighted.
And then!
After three days silence once again bugle of war echoed. In those three days Mysore fort was attacked heavily. The armies of Nizam and British were side by side. General Demonson wanted an early victory over Mysore. Guns showered cannon-bells. Subjects of Mysore butchered.
Both armies were advancing while army of Mysore was not in the war field yet.
Till Tipu’s army reached, British army had reached near Sheesh Mahal after entering the city. They have started firing at the soldiers posted on the fort.
Tipu divided his military in to three divisions. One of them was most excellent whose commander was he himself. Kamruddin was chief of second division while Deewan was of the third.
As the military reached in the warfield fierce fighting started. There was uproar in all directions. General Demonson was calling his soldiers to fight bravely.
Nizam along with Karim Shah had also reached the war field. He too was encouraging his soldiers, “More fast…crush Mysore. I want Tipu’s head. Whosoever bring it will be suitably rewarded.”
Tipu was safeguarding the royal palace. Deewan risking his life was face to face with Demonson. Both were intending to kill each other.
Kamruddin had surrounded Nizam. Horses were nervous hearing the noise of cannon balls. They were crushing dead bodies under their feet. Elephant were running through reverting their trunks. Having hurt by spikes and cannon balls showers they started squeaking. Wounded person were demanding water. They were dying of thirst. Infantry was too is trouble. Mysore soldiers were fighting bravely.
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