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 CHAPTER XI

Tipú's Secret Machinations

In 1793 Lord Cornwallis left India. He was succeeded by Sir John Shore, afterwards Lord Teignmouth, who, although possessing a profound and extensive acquaintance with all questions relating to revenue administration, had not the political capacity which was needed to keep in check so aggressive and self-sufficient a character as Tipú. In 1796, the Mysore Rájá, Chámráj, died, leaving an infant son, to whom Tipú did not think it expedient to give even the titular status of Rájá. It became apparent about this time that although the tiger's claws had been clipped, he had not been deprived of the power to do mischief. There was a stipulation in the Seringapatam treaty that if Tipú should molest either of the contracting parties, the others should unite to punish him. But in 1795 he entered into a covert engagement with Alí Jáh, son of the Nizám, then in rebellion against his father, to assist him on condition that, in case he succeeded in dethroning the Nizám, he should make over to Tipú Sultán all