Q. Haider Ali was originally
(a) a member of the royal family
(b) an adventurer
(c) an invader
(d) a Hindu chief
Ans: (b) an adventurer
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) an adventurer.
Haider Ali, also known as Tipu Sultan’s father, was originally an adventurer. He was born in a village called Budikote in the present-day state of Karnataka, India. Haider Ali began his career as a soldier in the army of the Wodeyar dynasty, the ruling family of Mysore. Through his military skills and ambition, he rose through the ranks and eventually became the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.
Haider Ali’s rise to power was marked by his military prowess and strategic abilities. He took advantage of the political turmoil in Mysore and emerged as a powerful figure, effectively sidelining the Wodeyar rulers. His success as a military leader and administrator paved the way for his son, Tipu Sultan, to become the ruler of Mysore after him.
Therefore, Haider Ali’s original status was that of an adventurer who climbed the ranks through his military exploits and ultimately established himself as a significant political figure in the Kingdom of Mysore.
