Previous Year Question

In the middle of the 18th century, the Wodeyar ruler Chikka Krishnaraj was largely a nominal ruler of Mysore, while powerful officials such as Nanjraj and Devraj had acquired considerable influence in the administration.

Within this political system, Haider Ali began to increase his influence in the Mysore army. He understood the utility of European military organisation and modern weapons.

In 1755 CE, Haider Ali was sent to Dindigul. Dindigul was strategically important to Mysore at that time, and the local Palayakkarars had to be brought under control. The history published by the Dindigul District administration of the Government of Tamil Nadu also records that the Maharaja of Mysore sent Haider Ali to Dindigul in 1755 CE.

At Dindigul, Haider Ali established a modern arsenal with the assistance of French experts. He also concentrated on training his troops on European lines and making his artillery more effective. Gujarat Government's SPIPA study material explicitly records his establishment of a modern arsenal at Dindigul in 1755 CE.

This military modernisation became an important basis of Haider Ali's rise. Within a few years, his military and political power increased to such an extent that by 1761 CE he had become the de facto ruler of Mysore.

Nanjraj and Devraj were powerful officials in the Mysore administration, while Chikka Krishnaraj was the Wodeyar ruler, but the credit for establishing the modern armoury at Dindigul belongs to Haider Ali.