Colonial anxieties and identity formation: Tipu Sultan and British Captives in Mysore

Abstract

The article explores the captivity of British individuals by Tipu Sultan in 18th century India and its impact on the construction of British colonial identity. It examines the motivations behind Tipu Sultan's actions and the role of captivity narratives in shaping public perceptions about Tipu Sultan/ Mysore. We argue that Tipu Sultan's treatment of his prisoners challenged Euro-centric hierarchies and intensified British anxieties in southern India. The study also discusses the influence of these narratives on contemporary discourses of race and religion, with a focus on Islamophobia. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter, drawing on existing scholarship and presenting new insights into the complex dynamics of captivity and colonialism.