Who Planted the Tree of Liberty at Srirangapatnam?

Located in the Indian state of Karnataka, Srirangapatnam is a small island town in the Cauvery River. It is mostly known for being the capital of the former kingdom of Mysore, and the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Anglo-Mysore wars. But there is also a lesser-known story that has to do with the planting of a tree, a highly symbolic gesture that has been the source of much speculation and debate. Who planted the tree of liberty at Srirangapatnam, and why?

The Tree of Liberty

The tradition of planting trees as symbols of liberty and democracy dates back to ancient times. In 484 BC, the Persian emperor Xerxes ordered a grove of trees to be planted near the city of Athens as a memorial to those who had died in the Greco-Persian wars. During the French Revolution, a famous oak tree was planted on the Champ de Mars in Paris as a symbol of the new regime's commitment to liberté, égalité, fraternité. And in the United States, the planting of a "Liberty Tree" in Boston became an important ritual of resistance to British rule.

The Battle of Srirangapatnam

In 1799, the British East India Company launched an attack on the fortress of Srirangapatnam, seeking to end the rule of the Mysore kingdom, which was seen as a potential ally of the French. The battle was fierce and bloody, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. In the end, the fortress was breached, and the Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan, was killed. The British looted the city and plundered its treasures, including the famous Tipu's Tiger, a mechanical toy that now resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The Mystery of the Tree of Liberty

Amidst the chaos and destruction, a strange and enigmatic event occurred. According to some accounts, a tree was planted in the courtyard of the palace, bearing the words "Tree of Liberty" on a plaque. No one knows for sure who planted it or why. Some believe it was a gesture of defiance by Tipu Sultan, who was known for his anti-British sentiments and his collaboration with the French. Others speculate that it was a British ploy to defuse any lingering resentment among the Muslim and Hindu inhabitants of the city. Still, others think it was a spontaneous act of rebellion by the people themselves, a way to assert their identity and their rights.

The Legacy of Srirangapatnam

Whatever its origins, the tree of liberty at Srirangapatnam has become a symbol of resistance and resilience for the people of India. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a spark of courage that can ignite a movement for freedom and justice. Today, as we confront new challenges to our rights and dignity, we can look to Srirangapatnam for inspiration and guidance. The tree of liberty may be gone, but its spirit lives on.