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Type: Prelims Only

  • Digital India Initiatives

    In news: Survey of India

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Survey of India

    Mains level: Not Much

    survey

    The Survey of India (SOI), India’s 250-year-old map maker, will no longer have a monopoly on making high-resolution maps. SOI will however remain the arbiter of maps that deal with State borders and national boundaries.

    Key announcements by SOI

    • Focus on map accuracy: The SoI will now take action against digital platforms that violate its guidelines and will develop a framework to ensure the accuracy of maps.
    • Regulating use by digital platforms: The SoI has also asked digital platforms to comply with its guidelines and to seek its permission before publishing maps of the country.
    • Ensure territorial integrity: The move is aimed at ensuring that the country’s borders and territorial integrity are accurately depicted in maps, and that sensitive locations are not compromised by the publication of maps that violate the country’s security interests.

    In a nutshell: The Survey of India (SOI) will now be more like a regulatory body.

    What is Survey of India?

    • The SOI is India’s central engineering agency in charge of mapping and surveying.
    • First modern scientific survey of India” was undertaken by W. Mather in 1793–96 on instructions of Superintendent of Salem and Baramahal (TN), Col. Alexander Read.
    • Set up in 1767 to help consolidate the territories of the British East India Company, it is one of the oldest Engineering Departments of the GoI.
    • Its members are from Survey of India Service cadre of Civil Services of India and Army Officers from the Indian Army Corps of Engineers.
    • It is headed by the Surveyor General of India.

    Responsibilities

    • Advisor to Govt: Survey of India acts as adviser to the Government of India on all cartography of India related matters, such as geodesy, mapping and map reproduction.
    • Geo names: It is responsible for the naming convention and spellings of names of geographical features of India.
    • Certification and publication: Scrutiny and certification of external boundaries of India and Coastline on maps published by other agencies including private publishers.
    • Surveys: geodetic datum, geodetic control network, topographical control, geophysical surveys, cadastral surveying, geologic maps, aeronautical charts within India, such as for forests, army cantonments, large scale cities, guide maps, developmental or conservation projects, etc.
    • National borders: Demarcation of the borders and external boundaries of India as well as advice on the demarcation of inter-state boundaries.

     

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    Telangana’s Teja Chilli is hot property in many nations

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Teja Chilli

    Mains level: Not Much

    chilli

    The burgeoning demand for the popular Teja variety of red chilli, famous for its culinary, medicinal and other wide-ranging uses, in the export market is proving to be a boon for the Telangana Agriculture Market.

    Teja Chilli

    • Teja or S17 is one of the hottest varieties of red chillies produced in India. (GI tag not accorded yet.)
    • The chilli is known and liked across the country for its fierce hot flavor and rich aroma.
    • Southern India is the main region of Teja or S17 red chilli production.
    • It has a capsaicin content of 0.50-0.70% making it more pungent and spicy.
    • The huge demand for Oleoresin, a natural chilli extract, is mainly driving the export of Teja variety to various spice processing industries in several Asian countries.

    Where it is produced?

    • Khammam district is the largest producer of Teja variety of red chilli.
    • It is the leading exporter of the pungent fruit.
    • The Mudigonda-based Oleoresin extraction firm of a Chinese company is engaged in export of the by product to its clients.

    Trade significance of this chilli

    • Teja variety of red chilli is being exported to China, Bangladesh and a few other south Asian countries from Khammam mainly through the Chennai port.
    • The export of Teja variety of red chilli is expected to grow from the present ₹2000 crore per annum to ₹2500 crore next year.

     

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  • Innovation Ecosystem in India

    APJ Abdul Kalam SLV: India’s 1st Hybrid Rocket launched

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hybrid Rocket

    Mains level: India's success in rocketry

    rocket

    India’s first hybrid sounding rocket by private players was launched by some students from Pattipulam village off Tamil Nadu coast.

    About APJ Abdul Kalam SLV

    • Martin Foundation in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India successfully completed the project known as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2023.
    • The student team included 200 from the fishermen community in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, 100 students from tribal communities across India, and 60 from Tamil Nadu.

    What is a Hybrid Rocket?

    • A hybrid rocket is a type of rocket engine that combines features of both liquid-fueled and solid-fueled rockets. In a hybrid rocket, a solid fuel is burned in combination with a liquid or gaseous oxidizer to produce thrust.
    • The solid fuel in a hybrid rocket is typically made of a polymer, such as hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), which is cast into a cylindrical shape and placed inside the rocket motor.
    • The oxidizer, which is typically nitrous oxide (N2O), is stored in a separate tank and fed into the combustion chamber of the rocket motor.

    How does it work?

    • When the oxidizer is introduced into the combustion chamber, it reacts with the solid fuel, producing a hot gas that is expelled through a nozzle at the end of the rocket.
    • The combustion process can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the oxidizer, making hybrid rockets more controllable than solid rockets.

    Benefits offered over conventional rockets

    • Hybrid rockets are generally simpler and less expensive to manufacture than liquid rockets, while providing more control than solid rockets.
    • They are also safer than both liquid and solid rockets, since the fuel and oxidizer are stored separately and can be easily shut off in case of an emergency.

     

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Cooling Earth with Moon Dust

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Moon dust for sheilding Earth

    Mains level: Global Warming

    moon

    The article introduces the idea of using Moon dust to cool the Earth and explores the feasibility and potential risks associated with the proposal.

    Moonlight cooling of Earth

    • The idea of using lunar dust to cool the Earth’s temperature is based on a natural phenomenon called “moonlight cooling.”
    • When the Moon’s surface reflects the sun’s rays, it cools down rapidly after sunset.
    • Scientists believe that a thin layer of lunar dust could be used to create a similar effect on the Earth’s surface.
    • The proposal suggests launching a spacecraft to the Moon to collect dust particles, which would then be transported to the Earth’s atmosphere and released.

    Feasibility of the move

    • This is not a new idea. In fact, it has been proposed before as a way to combat global warming, and several studies have been conducted to explore its feasibility.
    • One study published in the journal Earth’s Future estimated that the technique could reduce the Earth’s temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius, which is a significant amount in the context of climate change.

    Risks and Drawbacks

    • Health concerns: The dust could harm the environment or respiratory health if it is not properly controlled.
    • Threats to aviation: The particles are abrasive and could damage aircraft engines or other machinery if they were to fall to the ground.
    • Feasibility and cost: Collecting enough dust to make a significant impact on the Earth’s temperature would require a significant investment of resources, including launching multiple spacecraft to the Moon.

    Frankenstein’s Monster Analogy

    • The article draws a comparison between the proposed use of moon dust and the story of Frankenstein’s monster, in which a scientist creates a monster that ultimately causes destruction and chaos.
    • The analogy suggests that the use of moon dust could have unintended consequences that are difficult to predict, and that such large-scale climate interventions should be approached with caution.

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Underwater noise emissions pose threat to Indian Marine species: Study

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3:

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UNE

    Mains level: Noise Pollution

    noise

    Central idea: The rising man-made (anthropogenic) underwater noise emissions (UNE) from ships in the Indian waters are posing a threat to the life of marine mammals like Bottlenose Dolphin, Manatees, Pilot Whale, Seal, and Sperm Whale.

    What is Underwater Noise Emissions (UNE)?

    • Underwater noise emissions (UNE) refer to sounds that are produced underwater as a result of various human activities such as shipping, oil and gas exploration, military sonar, and construction.
    • UNE can have a significant impact on marine life, as many marine animals rely on sound for communication, navigation, and foraging.
    • Excessive underwater noise can interfere with these activities, and can even cause physical harm to marine animals in some cases.
    • As a result, there is growing concerned about the potential impact of UNE on marine ecosystems, and efforts are being made to better understand and mitigate these impacts.

    UNE and marine life

    • Impacts behavioural aspects: The main form of energy for multiple behavioural activities of marine mammals, which include mating, communal interaction, feeding, cluster cohesion and foraging, is based on sound.
    • Threats posed by UNE: The sound that radiates from ships on a long-term basis affects them and results in internal injuries, loss of hearing ability, change in behavioural responses, masking, and stress.

    Key findings about Indian waters

    • Continuous shipping movement is identified to be a major contributor to the increase in the global ocean noise level.
    • The UNE or underwater sound pressure levels in the Indian waters are 102-115 decibels, relative to one microPascal (dB re 1µ Pa).
    • The East Coast level is slightly higher than that of the West, where there is an increase by a significant value of about 20 dB re 1µPa.
    • “The frequencies of ships’ underwater self-noise and machinery vibration levels are overlapping the marine species’ communication frequencies in the low-frequency range of less than 500 Hz.
    • This is called masking, which could have led to a change in the migration route of the marine species to the shallow regions and also making it difficult for them to go back to the deeper water.

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Diyodar meteorite in 2022 was India’s first Aubrite in 170 years

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Diyodar Meteorite

    Mains level: Not Much

    meteorite

    Central idea: A rare and unique meteorite, known as the Diyodar meteorite, was discovered in Banaskantha, Gujarat in December 2022. It is significant because it is the first aubrite to be found in India in 170 years.

    What are Aubrites?

    • Aubrites are a type of meteorite that are believed to have formed on a different planet in the early solar system.
    • They are known for their unusual mineralogy and composition and are believed to have originated from a differentiated parent body, such as an asteroid or a planetesimal.
    • They are primarily composed of a mineral called enstatite, which is a magnesium-rich silicate. They also contain other minerals such as nickel-iron, troilite, and chromite.
    • Aubrites are relatively rare, comprising only about 0.1% of all known meteorites.
    • They are believed to have formed under highly reducing conditions, with very little oxygen present.

    Meteorite found in Diyodar, Gujarat

    • The Diyodar meteorite is thought to be around 4.5 billion years old, and it is believed to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
    • Its discovery provides scientists with an opportunity to study the composition and structure of these unique meteorites.
    • This, in turn, can help researchers to better understand the early solar system and the processes that led to the formation of planets.

    Its composition

    • Around 90% of the meteorite was composed of orthopyroxene.
    • Pyroxenes are silicates consisting of single chains of silica tetrahedra (SiO 4); orthopyroxenes are pyroxenes with a certain structure.
    • Pyroxenes such as diopside and jadeite have been used as gems. Spodumene was historically used as lithium ore.
    • Rocks with pyroxene have also been used to make a crushed stone that is used in construction.

     

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  • Delhi Full Statehood Issue

    Nominated members cannot vote in Delhi Mayor Poll: Supreme Court

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Constitutional position of Mayor

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central idea: The Supreme Court ordered the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to notify the first meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to elect a Mayor within 24 hours and held that nominated members cannot vote in these polls.

    What is the issue?

    • The issue at hand is whether the nominated members of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi should be allowed to vote in the mayoral polls.
    • A Party had challenged the eligibility of the nominated members to vote, arguing that they were appointed by the Delhi government and were therefore not neutral.
    • The Supreme Court of India has now ruled that the nominated members cannot vote in the mayoral polls.

    What has the Supreme Court ruled?

    • The Bench did not agree with the L-G’s contention that nominated members could vote in the first meeting.
    • The court pointed out that Article 243R of the Constitution did not distinguish between the first and regular meetings.

    Who is a Mayor?

    • In India, the mayor is the head of a municipal corporation, which is responsible for providing essential services and infrastructure to the residents of a city or town.
    • The mayor is usually elected by the members of the municipal corporation or council, and serves as the ceremonial head of the local government.

    History of Mayor’s elections in India

    • Municipal corporation mechanisms in India was introduced during British Rule with formation of municipal corporation in Madras (Chennai) in 1688, later followed by municipal corporations in Bombay (Mumbai) and Calcutta (Kolkata) by 1762.
    • However the process of introduction for an elected President in the municipalities was made in Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870.
    • Since then the current form and structure of municipal bodies followed is similar to Lord Ripon’s Resolution adopted in 1882 on local self-governance.
    • The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 was introduced providing for the transfer of 18 different powers to urban local bodies, including the election of a mayor and to recognise them which included Municipal Corporations, Nagar Panchayats, and Municipal Councils.

    Elections and tenure

    • The method of electing mayor and their tenure varies for each city in India.
    • In Bengaluru (Karnataka) the election process is indirect with a tenure being for one year, in Mumbai (Maharashtra) it follows indirect elections with tenure for 2.5 years and Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) follows a directly elected mayor with a term for 5 years.

    Roles and Responsibilities

    • Governs the local civic body.
    • Fixed tenure varying in different towns.
    • First citizen of city.
    • Has two varied roles — Representation and upholding of the dignity of the city during ceremonial times and a presiding over discussions of the civic house with elected representatives in functional capacity.
    • The Mayor’s role is confined to the corporation hall of presiding authority at various meetings relating to corporation.
    • The Mayor’s role extends much beyond the local city and country as the presiding authority at corporation meetings during visits of a foreign dignitary to the city as he is invited by the state government to receive and represent the citizens to the guest of honour.
    • At government, civic and other social functions he is given prominence.

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Species in news: Pangolins

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pangolin

    Mains level: Wildlife trade

    pangolin

    The World Pangolin Day was observed on February 18.

    Why in news?

    • A not-for-profit organization working on the international trade of animals and plants, has brought out a fact sheet reporting that 1,203 pangolins have been found in illegal wildlife trade in India from 2018 to 2022.

    Pangolins

    IUCN status: Endangered

    • India is home to two species of pangolin.
    • While the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is found in northeastern India, the Indian Pangolin is distributed in other parts of the country as well as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
    • Both these species are protected and are listed under the Schedule I Part I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
    • Commonly known as ‘scaly anteaters’, the toothless animals are unique, a result of millions of years of evolution.
    • Pangolins evolved scales as a means of protection. When threatened by big carnivores like lions or tigers they usually curl into a ball.
    • The scales defend them against dental attacks from the predators.

    Why protect Pangolins?

    • Pangolins are currently the most trafficked wildlife species in the world.
    • These Scales has now become the main cause of the pangolin’s disappearance.
    • The scales are in high demand in China, where they are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
    • Pangolin meat is also in high demand in China and Southeast Asia.
    • Consequently, pangolins have seen a rapid reduction in population globally. The projected population declines range from 50 per cent to 80 per cent across the genus.

     

    Try this PYQ:

    Consider the following animals:

    1. Hedgehog
    2. Marmot
    3. Pangolin

    To reduce the chance of being captured by predators which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protect its/their vulnerable parts?

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3

     

    Post your answers here.

     

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  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)

    Govt. likely to place Reverse Charging of GST on Scrap before Council

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: GST, GST COuncil

    Mains level: Not Much

    gst

    Central idea: The article discusses the possibility of the government presenting the reverse charging of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Steel and other metal scraps before the GST council.

    Scrap recycling in India

    • India is now the world’s second-largest steel producer, with output expected to increase by 17.8 per cent to 118.1 million tonnes in 2021.
    • In contrast to countries that take pride in using increasing amounts of steel scrap to produce ferrous metal and thus reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, India only uses about 30 MT of scrap per year.
    • India is still in its early stages, with low recycling awareness. Unfortunately, only 30 per cent of India’s recyclable scrap is recycled.

    What is Reverse Charging of GST?

    • Reverse charging of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a mechanism in which the liability to pay the tax is shifted from the supplier to the recipient of goods or services.
    • Under normal circumstances, it is the supplier who is liable to pay GST to the government.
    • However, in cases of reverse charging, the recipient of the goods or services becomes liable to pay the tax instead of the supplier.
    • Reverse charging is usually implemented in situations where the supplier is not registered under GST or has failed to deposit the GST dues with the government.
    • Reverse charging is a way for the government to ensure that the GST liability is fulfilled even if the supplier does not fulfill its obligations.

    Some examples of goods and services on which reverse charging is already applied are:

    1. Services provided by a goods transport agency
    2. Services provided by an advocate to a business entity
    3. Supply of manpower for any purpose
    4. Renting of a motor vehicle provided by any individual or HUF to a business entity
    5. Supply of specified goods like gold, silver, or precious stones by an unregistered supplier to a registered person.

    Why scrap industry?

    • The scrap industry in India is a largely unorganized sector, and many small players operate without proper registration or compliance.
    • This has led to tax evasion and revenue losses for the government.
    • Reverse charging on the scrap industry is aimed at plugging this gap and ensuring that the GST liability is fulfilled even if the supplier (in this case, the scrap dealer) is not registered or fails to deposit the GST dues with the government.

    Consequences of the move

    • Compliance Costs: The implementation of reverse charging on the scrap industry may increase compliance costs for stakeholders. Small players in the industry may find it challenging to comply with the new regulations, leading to increased compliance costs.
    • Administrative Burden: The scrap industry in India is largely an unorganized sector, and the application of reverse charging may impose an administrative burden on stakeholders. Many small players may not have the necessary infrastructure or resources to comply with the new regulations.
    • Cash flow impact: Reverse charging could impact the cash flow of small businesses, as they would have to pay GST upfront and then claim it back through input tax credit. This could lead to a shortage of working capital for small businesses.
    • Increased Paperwork: The application of reverse charging on the scrap industry may lead to an increase in paperwork and documentation for stakeholders. This could be challenging for small players who may not have the resources to handle the additional paperwork.
    • Implementation Challenges: The implementation of reverse charging on the scrap industry could be challenging, given that the sector is largely unorganized. It could be challenging to track unregistered players, and the government may face difficulties in enforcing the new regulations.

    Woes of Scrap Industry in India

    • Lack of infrastructure: The scrap industry in India is primarily an unorganized sector, with limited access to infrastructure such as proper storage facilities, transport, and handling equipment. This can limit the efficiency and productivity of the sector.
    • Low productivity: The scrap industry in India faces low productivity due to the use of outdated technology and inadequate skills among workers. This can limit the competitiveness of the industry and its ability to meet the demand for scrap.
    • Inadequate regulatory support: The scrap industry in India lacks adequate regulatory support, which can result in a lack of standardization and transparency in the sector. This can lead to issues such as underreporting of sales, tax evasion, and other malpractices.

    Stakeholder response

    • The scrap industry has expressed concerns over the potential increase in compliance costs and administrative burden that may arise from the implementation of reverse charging.
    • This might affect the recycle economy.

     

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Tipu Sultan’s Contested Legacy

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Tipu Sultan

    Mains level: His legacy

    tipu

    Central idea: The article examines the controversial nature of Tipu Sultan’s legacy and the differing opinions about his reign and his place in Indian history. It discusses the contrasting views of Tipu Sultan as a hero and patriot who fought against British colonialism, or as a tyrant who persecuted Hindus and Christians.

    Rise of Tipu Sultan

    • Tipu Sultan was born on November 10, 1750, in Devanahalli, present-day Bangalore.
    • His father was Hyder Ali, who rose through the ranks of the army of the Wodeyars, the Hindu rulers of Mysore.

    Rise to power

    • Hyder Ali seized power from the Wodeyars in 1761 and ruled for 20 years, a period in which the kingdom of Mysore had slowly expanded by capturing disputed areas at its borders.
    • During this time, Tipu was educated in both matters of statecraft and warcraft, participating in his first battle at the age of only 15.
    • When Hyder Ali died in 1782, Tipu’s primary motivation was to consolidate the territory he had inherited from his father.
    • Specifically, the rebellious provinces of Malabar, Kodagu, and Bednur, were crucial to Mysore’s strategic and economic interests.
    • His rule in these areas is what is often cited as proof of his bigotry and authoritarianism.

    Contribution to freedom struggle

    • In the course of India’s freedom struggle, Tipu Sultan became a symbol of resistance against British rule.
    • His death while defending his fortress of Srirangaptna against British armies in 1799 was valorised as the ultimate sacrifice for the motherland.

    Reforms carried out by Tipu

    Administrative reforms

    • Tipu Sultan also pioneered administrative and economic reforms.
    • He introduced new coins, started a new land revenue system in Mysore, as well as introduced sericulture or silkworm cultivation, which continues to employ many Kannadigas to date.
    • Furthermore, some claim that upon hearing of the plight of lower caste women who were not allowed to wear blouses, Tipu personally supplied them with cloth.

    Modernization of weaponry: Advent of Rockets

    tipu

    • Tipu is credited for the introduction of iron-cased rockets in warfare.
    • While rocket-like weapons had previously been used in War, Tipu’s army used what can be termed as the first modern war rockets in the Anglo-Mysore Wars.
    • These rockets were used to devastating effects against much larger British armies, driving them to panic and disarray.
    • The British used Tipu’s models for their own rockets, which would go on to play an important role in the Napoleonic Wars.

    Scientific temper

    tipu

    • Tipu’s fascination with European culture was a result of what he saw while fighting Europeans.
    • Tipu wanted Mysore to be a modern rival of the European powers and made investments in technology accordingly.

    Why is Tipu branded as a tyrant?

    • Warfare in Tipu’s time was brutal and those who rebelled were dealt with an iron fist. It was common practice to set strong examples to forestall future opposition.
    • The punishments Tipu applied to rebels or conspirators included forced conversion and the transfer of people from their home territories to Mysore.
    • The forced removals occurred from both Kodagu and Malabar, the former as a response to continued resistance against Mysore rule– as a result of their resistance and perceived treachery in the Anglo-Mysore Wars.
    • The right’s narrative of Tipu’s bigotry emphasizes Tipu’s militarism as well as his perceived attacks on “Hindu” rulers and subjects.

    Historian’s justification of Tipu’s actions

    • Tipu’s actions are questionable by today’s standards, they were commonplace in the 18th century among rulers of all faiths.
    • He was a tyrant, but his motivations were not necessarily religious zealotry.
    • Rather, he was a pragmatist who ruled within the accepted conventions of kingship and warfare at the time.
    • He undoubtedly ordered forced conversions in areas he annexed, Tipu also patronized various temples and Hindu shrines, including the Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangapatna and the Math in Sringeri.
    • Both these actions were to solidify his position as a ruler — the former to crush dissidents and the latter to gain legitimacy among his largely Hindu subjects.

    Tipu’s legacy: looking at the past from the prism of the present

    • Today, there has been an increased spotlight on his autocratic tendencies and brutal repression in annexed territories, with an increased emphasis on his religion.
    • Both portrayals fall short, missing the complexity of Tipu’s character and material circumstances.

     

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