The death anniversary of 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan is marked on May 4 ever year.

Tipu Sultan was famous for his heroic spirit against British forces, who coined the quote, “It is far better to live like a lion for a day then to live like a jackal for hundred years.”

Tipu Sultan was born on 20 November 1750 and embraced martyrdom on 4 May 1799 while defedning his fort of Seringapatam. The Tiger of Mysore who was the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore based in South India is credited as pioneer of rocket artillery and a celebrated freedom fighter against the British rule.

According to historians, till his end on 4 May 1799, in Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, when the British forces captured his Fort, without surrendering himself, Tipu fought valiantly and fell heroically. He was betrayed by his advisors Mir Jafar and Mir Saddiq who secretly made alliance with the British forces. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the British forces took away his sword and ring as war trophies.

Tipu Sultan was born to Hyder Ali and Fatima Fakhr Un Nisa. They had named their son Fateh Ali but often called him Tipu after the local saint Tipu Mastan Aulia.