As usual the Royal Court of Mysore was on today too. Subject was the same—aggression of East India Company towards south and strategy to stop them.
Then, Kamruddin, the special envoy of Hyder Ali stepped in. He reached near the throne and saluted.
“Welcome, Kamruddin…what’s the news?”
“News is not good Your Highness,” Kamruddin said in a grave tone.
“What do you want to say?”
“White forces are surpassing forward towards Mysore. It is also confirmed that Major Demonson is also proceeding towards south with a big army. He was made up his mind to attack on Mysore.”
Hyder Ali stood with a jerk from the throne and blasted, “He would be browbeaten. Swords of Hyder Ali and his soldiers will have a blood bath.’’
There was silence in the Royal Court.
Kamruddin was standing with bowed head.
Hyder Ali busted, ‘‘Kamruddin, immediately you go to Maharashtra and hand over my message to queen Krishna Bai that we need her help. Tell her the British invaded our land.’’
“As you order Your Highness.” Kamruddin bowed his head—“If you permit me I wish to say something.”
“Say without hesitation.”
“I want to meet Prime Minister Nana Pharnavis prior to the queen.”
“It would be better. Nana Pharnavis is a patriot and in this matter his consent is necessary.”
As Kamruddin turned after salutation, king interrupted him, “And inform Nana Sahib that Nizam had collated with the British and what is his views about this affair.”
“As you order Your Highness.”
Then Hyder Ali looked towards his elder son, “Tipu! What do you think? Every thing is clear before you. What is your opinion.’’
“It is not indifferent Your Highness. I am ready for war. My army is in wait for your word of command.”
‘‘I had hope so.” King then put a glance at the courtiers and said, “You also get ready for war. It is confirm that we do not accept British friendship. East India Company will have to quit India.”
Courtiers went off. Now their left were Prime Minister, Karim Shah and the king.
“Why are you sitting here Karim shah? Would you not get ready for war?’’ Hyder Ali asked surprisingly.
Karim Shah raised his eyes and said with bowed head, “I seek permission to say some thing, Your Highness?”
“Speak without any fear.”
“I was thinking why not we befriend the British.”
There was a explosion in Hyder Ali’s ear. He saw him with amazed eyes. He couldn’t utter even a single word for a long.
Prime Minister too was stunned.
Whereas Karim Shah was continuing, “Please agree to my proposal Your Highness. Have treaty with British. They are mighty. After friendship with them none will dare to harm us.’’
“Silent! Silent Karim Shah!! Silent!” Hyder Ali roared loudly. Then after taking a deep breath he said, “If you were not prince I would have behead you. Saying such you have ashamed that blood which is circulating in your veins. I am very dejected hearing you such cowardice word.’’
“You please try to understand me father…” knowing that his father will not harm him he said dauntlessly, “The British…”
Hyder Ali shuddered in anger, “Get away from my sight.” His hand was at the hilt of his sword.
Seeing Hyder Ali angry Karim Shah walked quietly.
“He is troubling me much,’’ shuddering Hyder Ali said. ‘‘Listening his blockhead thought I doubt that he is my son.”
‘‘Please don’t loose your heart Your Highness. Prince is ignorant yet. Time will teach him to differentiate between right and wrong.’’
“What would he learn? He uttered such words being son of Hyder Ali.”
It was the advent of evening.
Hyder Ali was watching the sun set through the window of his chamber. All of a sudden he saw image of India in that red sun. He realised as if it is the departure of good fortune. Signs of grief and anger were visible on his face. But for longer he could not remain gripped in these sorrowful thoughts. Suddenly his face got toughened. He grumbled—‘No, Never. Mysore will not accept British friendship.’
Night hours started in this perplexity. Since long Hyder Ali came to know that East India Company has been strengthening their power.
In Calcutta they have constructed a fort called ‘Fort Williams’. They were powerful in Bihar even. Now they were in mood to capture Delhi and Avadh. Obtaining such informations Hyder Ali got worried. But now disaster was over his state. His problems were on increase day by day. Night was crossing over but slumber was at a great distance from his eyes.
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