Hyder Ali

Born around 1720, Hyder Ali rose through Mysore's military ranks on the strength of his soldiering, eventually becoming Dalavayi to Krishnaraja Wodeyar II. By 1761 he had eclipsed the titular monarch entirely, ruling as Sarvadhikari while the Wodeyar remained a figurehead. He led Mysore through the First and Second Anglo–Mysore Wars, allying with the French and employing their engineers to modernize his guns and arsenals. His reign was marked by near-constant border wars and internal revolts — standard turbulence for the subcontinent in that era. When he died on 7 December 1782, he left his el…