The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions rocket technology is often the space race between the USSR and the USA during the Cold War. However, the use of such technology actually predates that era, long before humanity even dreamed of venturing into space. In late 18th-century India, a ruler named Tipu Sultan stood out in his resistance against British encroachment. Like many others, he fought to defend his land, but what set him apart was his willingness to adopt advanced military technology. To combat a modern and battle-hardened enemy, Tipu Sultan’s engineers developed one of the earliest known military rocket systems, an innovation that would later influence global warfare.
Who Was Tipu Sultan?
Tipu Sultan, often referred to as the "Tiger of Mysore," was a prominent ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, located in present-day Karnataka, India. He was one of the key figures who resisted the expansion of the British East India Company in the 18th century. Alongside his father, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan played a significant role in transforming Mysore into a center of military innovation. While Hyder Ali laid the groundwork for the development of rocket technology, Tipu Sultan was the one who implemented it effectively in warfare—turning traditional fireworks into a powerful and organized military weapon.
Why was it such a big deal?
During that time, rockets were not widely used as weapons anywhere in the world. They were primarily seen as fireworks used in ceremonial displays, typically made with paper or bamboo casings. However, the introduction of the Mysorean rockets marked a turning point in military technology. Unlike traditional designs, these rockets used iron casings instead of bamboo, allowing them to withstand higher air pressure and travel distances of up to 2 kilometers. More than just range, their lethality was revolutionary—the rockets were often equipped with sharpened metal tips that could pierce through enemy ranks before exploding on impact. Tipu Sultan’s army included a specialized corps of approximately 5,000 rocket men, who played a crucial role in the Anglo-Mysore Wars. Their strategic use of rocketry gave Mysore a distinct advantage.
When Was It Used?
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Mysorean rockets were primarily deployed during the four major wars fought between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company, often supported by the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas. Tipu Sultan notably employed these rockets in the Second, Third, and Fourth Anglo-Mysore Wars. Their most recognized use occurred during the Battle of Pollilur in 1780, part of the Second Anglo-Mysore War, where British forces led by Colonel William Baillie were decisively defeated. The unexpected use of rocket technology caused chaos and fear among British troops, contributing significantly to their loss.
The rockets saw their final deployment in 1799 during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, when British forces breached Tipu Sultan’s capital, Srirangapatna. Despite being used in a last-ditch effort to defend the city, the battle ended with the death of Tipu Sultan. His fall marked the end of indigenous military resistance in southern India and established him as a powerful symbol of resistance against foreign domination.
In 2015 a replica of Tipu Sultan’s rocket was displayed at the Science Museum in London, to highlight him as a forgotten pioneer in rocket technology.
How It Further Developed
The British were notably impressed by the Mysorean rockets and collected launchers and unused rockets from the battlefield to study back in England. Their analysis revealed that these rockets were approximately 8 to 10 inches in length and constructed using well-hammered soft iron tubes filled with gunpowder. These iron tubes were then attached to long bamboo rods, which acted as stabilizers during flight.
Functionally, the Mysorean rockets were similar to early ballistic missiles, guided only by the direction of launch and the angle set by the user. To enhance their effectiveness, Tipu Sultan’s forces sometimes launched them using wheeled platforms or in salvos, allowing for rapid, concentrated attacks. His engineers also developed a variety of launchers, some of which resembled multiple-barrel cannons capable of firing several rockets in quick succession.
In 1801, British engineer Sir William Congreve developed the Congreve rocket, directly inspired by the Mysorean design. These rockets were later used in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, famously referenced in the U.S. national anthem with the line, “the rockets’ red glare.” Tipu Sultan’s innovation had a ripple effect that extended far beyond the Indian subcontinent, influencing the evolution of rocket technology for generations to come.
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