Hyder Ali

Hyder Ali (1728-82), son of a, general of the Rajah of Mysore, who afterwards became tributary sovereign of Bangalore. He entered the Mysore army, and in 1749 became conspicuous for his bravery. He rose rapidly in rank and power until he deposed his master (1759), allowing him his title and a pension. The territory subject to Hyder Ali covered 80,000 square miles by 1767, when he made war on the British and dictated terms before Madras. In 1769 he made a treaty with them, but, resenting their refusal to support him after his defeat by the Mahrattas (1772) and relying on the aid of the French, he again took up arms in 1780. Sir Eyre Coote routed his army at Porto Novo (1781) and, following up this success, saved the Presidency. Hyder Ali was succeeded by his son Tippoo Saib.