Archive · 7 Sep 2025
British Siege of Bangalore: A Turning Point in Anglo-Mysore War
Imagine a big fight between the British and a powerful Indian ruler named Tipu Sultan.
Bangalore was a key city, like a fort, that the British wanted to take.
The British, led by Cornwallis, surrounded the city.
They had to fight through the town and then attack the fort.
There were many cannons and battles.
Finally, the British snuck in at night and captured the fort.
This was a big win for the British because they got lots of weapons and supplies.
It made it harder for Tipu Sultan to keep fighting.
The siege of Bangalore was a crucial event in the Third Anglo-Mysore War in 1791.
The British, led by Earl Cornwallis, targeted Bangalore to use as a base to attack Tipu Sultan.
The British captured the town of Bangalore before attacking the fort.
The British captured the fort through a night attack, on March 21.
The British seized a large quantity of supplies and cannons after taking the fort.
- Who
- British East India Company forces against Tipu Sultan's Mysore army.
- What
- The siege and capture of Bangalore during the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
- When
- March 1791.
- Where
- Bangalore, India.
- Why
- The British aimed to capture Bangalore to use it as a strategic point to attack Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatna.
- Conflict
- Third Anglo-Mysore War
- Year of Siege
- 1791
- Commanders
- Earl Charles Cornwallis (British), Tipu Sultan (Mysore)
- British Objective
- Capture Bangalore to attack Tipu Sultan
- Key Event
- Night attack and capture of Bangalore Fort on March 21st
- Outcome
- British victory; capture of supplies and cannons