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Lord Cornwallis receiving sons of Tipu Sultan as hostages
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Lord Cornwallis receiving sons of Tipu Sultan as hostages
Lord Cornwallis receiving the sons of Tipu Sultan as hostages.
1792
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Media ID 23359212
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1790s 1792 Authority Colonialism Cornwallis Hostages Power Receiving Sons Sultan Tipu
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative image from the 1790s, Lord Cornwallis, the British Governor-General of India, is depicted receiving the sons of the defeated Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan as hostages. The boys, dressed in Western attire and looking somewhat apprehensive, are presented to Cornwallis by an English officer. The scene takes place in the grand setting of the Mysore Palace, which was under British control following Tipu Sultan's defeat in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1792. The exchange of the young princes as hostages was a common practice during colonial times, aimed at securing the loyalty and compliance of defeated rulers. The British believed that by keeping the heirs of defeated monarchs as hostages, they could exert influence over the political landscape of India and maintain peace in the region. The image underscores the power dynamics of colonialism, with the British exerting their authority over the Eastern world and the Eastern world being subjugated to Western influence. The boys, who were likely reluctant to leave their homeland and family, represent the loss of sovereignty and cultural identity that came with colonial rule. Despite the somber tone of the scene, there is a sense of curiosity and fascination in the boys' expressions, hinting at the complexities of the colonial encounter. The image also serves as a reminder of the profound impact of colonialism on the history of Asia and the world at large. Terry Parker's photograph captures a moment in history that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, inviting reflection on the legacies of colonialism and the complexities of cross-cultural encounters.
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