Concept notes: The Third Anglo-Mysore War was a conflict between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company, which took place from 1789 to 1792. Lord Cornwallis, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1786 to 1793, was the key British figure during this war. The war resulted in a significant defeat for the Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan, leading to the loss of much of his territory.
Explanation: The Third Anglo-Mysore War was a significant conflict in the history of British colonial expansion in India. It took place between 1789 and 1792 and was fought between the Kingdom of Mysore, led by Tipu Sultan, and the British East India Company. The war was a continuation of the earlier Anglo-Mysore Wars and was part of the broader struggle for control over the Indian subcontinent.
Lord Cornwallis, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1786 to 1793, was the key British official during this period. He was responsible for the overall strategy and military operations against Tipu Sultan. Cornwallis's tenure as Governor-General was marked by significant military campaigns, including the Third Anglo-Mysore War, which resulted in a decisive victory for the British.
The war began due to a series of provocations and misunderstandings between Tipu Sultan and the British. The British, under Cornwallis, launched a multi-pronged attack on Mysore, leading to the siege of Srirangapatna, Tipu Sultan's capital. The war ended with the Treaty of Srirangapatna in 1792, which resulted in the loss of much of Tipu Sultan's territory to the British and their allies.
It is important to note that the sequence of British Governor-Generals in India is crucial for understanding the historical context of these wars. Lord Cornwallis's role in the Third Anglo-Mysore War is a key part of this sequence, and his tenure as Governor-General is often associated with significant military and administrative reforms in British India.
In summary, the correct answer is Lord Cornwallis because he was the Governor-General of India during the Third Anglo-Mysore War, and his leadership was instrumental in the British victory over Tipu Sultan. Understanding the historical context and the sequence of British officials in India is essential for grasping the significance of this conflict in the broader narrative of British colonial history in India.