On the other side British didn’t want to waste this opportunity. General Demonson had of view that it is opportune to attack at night. He was going to issue order when Nizam reached there. General Demonson told him his plan but Nizam didn‘t agreed.
“No General. Mysore is in grief. In this situation I cannot even think of war.”
“Try to understand me Nawab,” General Demonson said, “Mysore army is discouraged and throne is lying vacant. If we attack immediately our victory is certain.”
‘‘General! There is no question of defeat or victory. Of course enmity was there between me and Hyder Ali. But inspite of that he was my bretheren. My Muslim soldiers also mourns the death of Haider Ali.”
After listening the response of Nizam, General Demonson became restless. He declared cease-fire unwillingly.
Mysore palace was in mourning.
Tipu also got information about cease-fire.
The last journey of Haider was on its way. On a gun carriage his dead body was wrapped in Mysore flag. Flag over fort was furling half-mast. Outside the fort thousands of people gathered and sobbed seeing their king Hyder Ali dead.
They were weeping. Today, their protector, king of Mysore was on his last journey. Haider became a father figure for his subjects.
The gun carriage reached the cremation ground where all preparation were made under the supervision of Deewan and Kamruddin. Guns were fired in air to pay tribute to the departed king as his dead body rests in the grave.
Tipu once again lost his patience.
However Deewan persuaded him, and the grave was covered with mud and flowers were kept over it.
After giving a tearful farewell to Haider Kamruddin and Deewan convened an emergency meeting of the courtiers and unanimously decided that the throne should not be left vacant during this though time of war. Hence as quickly as possible Tipu must be coronated and declared king of Mysore.
But Tipu opposed this decision and explained that he is in grief. Coronation ceremony to be held later on. But explaining the grave situation of the state by Deewan, Tipu agreed to enthrone.
On this occasion Tipu thought for Karim Shah. He was thinking if Karim Shah were here then I would have enthrone him and keep myself busy safeguarding the Mysore state. But… …Here Tipu was admiring Karim Shah on the other side Karim Shah was busy in his camp sitting with Tubharjang. He was delighted at his father’s death.
“Tubharjang! Today I am very glad. Today an obstacle has been removed from my path. My father did not accept friendship with British. Now Tipu left. If he also…”
“Don’t worry he also will be removed quickly Karim Shah.’’
In the meantime an informer entered inside, saluted Tubharjang and said, ‘‘A happy news for you sir.”
“Speak.”
‘‘I am coming from palace directly. Secretly Tipu has been coronated as king of Mysore.’’
This news made Karim Shah alert. There were signs of anger at his face and he looked towards Tubharjang.
“Alike Hyder Ali he is becoming king just to die.” Tubharjang said carelessly, “The real king of Mysore is sitting in front of me.”
But Karim Shah did not feel happy.
Nizam and General Demonson also heard the news of Tipu’s coronation. They both were not celebrating the death of Hyder Ali but is also not seemed as they might have felt grief at his death.
After sending back the informer General Demonson said, “As you order Nawab same is being carried out.”
“Yes, Tipu has become king. This news will hurt Karim Shah.” General Demonson laughed and said, “I shall definitely fulfil Karim Shah’s desires. He will be enthroned at Mysore Royal seat. He will be rewarded for friendship with Company Govt. Now what is your attitude toward Tipu? I think now we should attack Mysore again.”
“Still three days are not over General.”
“Is it necessary to wait for three days? Do not forget if Tipu get more time then he will be dangerous to
tackle.”
“I am thinking something different,” Nizam said seriously.
“What?”
‘‘We must try for truce once more with Tipu Sultan. I want to send him a letter on my own behalf. It is possible after martyrdom of his father he might have learnt a lesson and accept our friendship.”
“Impossible,” General Demonson objected, “He will never admit it.”
“But what’s the loss in trial?”
“If you wish you may…’’ General Demonson said, “But I know he never agreed.”
“Perhaps he may. Maharashtra has admitted your friendship. Nizam Hyderabad is with you. In such circumstances if Tipu accepts your
“Alright.”
Right then Karim Shah alongwith Tubharjang stepped in.
After salutation Karim Shah said to Nizam. “Mr. Nawab if you permit I have to say something.”
“Yes carry on Karim Shah.” Nawab smiled.
‘‘I heard your views. I want to know if Tipu admits your offer then where shall I go?”
“Hey…” Nizam astonished, “Would not you be happy? You are Tipu’s brother and then Tipu would be friend of Company Govt. Just imagine how much dignity you would possess in those circumstances.”
“Sir. Please do not try to recreate me with such silly talks. Mysore king has issued orders for my arrest. I have been proclaimed as an offender. Tipu will imprison me, and it is also possible that he may hanged me.”
“Nothing such will happen. At the time of pact we shall put this condition that you should be honoured as before.”
“Is that all…?” Karim Shah uttered harshly, “Honour as before? I am talking about crown and the throne of Mysore for which you and company promised me.”
General Demonson intercepted and said, “See Karim Shah! If Tipu agrees to the proposal of Nizam then this position will be arised. Anyway my view is that Tipu will never agree with Nawab at any cost.”
There were signs of disgust on Nizam’s face. He said, “If General has not agreed with my thinking then I should give up my idea.”
“No Mr. Nawab! You must try. Let we find out either your idea is correct or mine? I may be wrong.” General Demonson continued, “But Karim Shah you need not worry. Company Govt. never play foul. If truce is made with Tipu even then we shall enthrone you on royal seat whether Mysore might be divided in two parts.”
Now Karim Shah sighed in comfort.
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