Between 1761 and 1799, Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan ruled the Hindu-majority Mysore in southern India.
While brief, their dynasty posed a challenge to British imperial ambitions, as embodied in Tipu’s words: “It is better to live as a tiger for a day than as a sheep for a hundred years.”
Now, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in Kuala Lumpur is showcasing their legacy in a landmark exhibition, “More Than a Day as a Tiger: The Legacy of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore (1761-1799)”.
Running from Aug 6 to Jan 11, the exhibition – said to be the largest ever on the rulers – features prized artefacts from one of India’s most remarkable dynasties.
It delves into the symbolism, ideology and historical impact that transformed Haider and Tipu into heroes of anti-colonial resistance – figures who were later sidelined in their homeland.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officially opened the exhibition on Aug 5, after which he and his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, toured the showcase.
According to Lucien de Guise, IAMM’s head of curatorial affairs, “More Than a Day as a Tiger” features almost 100 artefacts, which the museum spent over two decades acquiring.
The art of war
The exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich heritage of this influential, yet largely forgotten, father and son. Both were driven to seek economic opportunities for their kingdom, with Tipu said to have had remarkable commercial vision.
From a young age, he learnt much from his father, particularly in the art of war. He went on to produce weapons that were of exceptional quality and considered among the most inventive of the time.
Their rocket technology is believed to have been so advanced compared to the rest of the world, the British copied it extensively.
Visitors can look forward to seeing many of Tipu’s guns and swords up close. His finest sword – kept by his side as he slept – and his most innovative guns are not only technically advanced but visually stunning.
Throughout the four Anglo-Mysore wars, Mysore’s weaponry and regalia always captured the attention of the British invaders, who then plundered as much as they could to send back to England.
Some items, however, were simply too large to be shipped. Tipu’s throne, for instance, was torn apart for its gold and jewels. Even its plain wooden feet – carved to resemble a tiger’s paw – were treasured by the British.
The exhibition showcases one of the few gem-encrusted gold finials (ornamental pieces) from the throne that survived the British looting.
Uniquely, there are no official portraits of Tipu Sultan. Instead, he adopted the persona of a tiger, encouraged by the British who called him the “Tiger of Mysore”.
According to legend, Tipu had once defeated a tiger with his bare hands or a sword. He even chose tiger stripes as a decorative motif on everything from his swords and guns to the uniforms of his soldiers.
The exhibition further marks the first comprehensive overview of Tipu’s contributions to southern India and the world. These include him having written a manual on warfare, assembled an extensive library, and recorded and analysed his dreams.
He was also a tireless innovator with an inquisitive nature who reformed Mysore’s coinage and calendar.
Reclaiming history
IAMM holds the finest collection of artefacts from the Mysore sultanate outside the UK. The exhibition is part of the museum’s ongoing mission to highlight underrepresented stories from the Islamic world and create space for global audiences to engage with nuanced and significant narratives.
Asked what he hopes visitors will take away, de Guise said: “This exhibition is about reclaiming history. These two people ruled more than 200 years ago but are largely completely forgotten, except in southern and northern India.
“The important thing is that we’re trying to revive their reputation here.”
Indeed, as one walks through the exhibition, each artefact – from swords to guns, cannons and more – offers a priceless glimpse into the lives of this remarkable duo, allowing their legacy to live on.
‘More Than a Day as a Tiger: The Legacy of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore (1761–1799)’
When:
Until Jan 11, 2026
Where:
Special Gallery 2, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia,
Jalan Lembah Perdana,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Exhibition hours:
9.30am-6pm (daily)
IAMM entrance fee:
- Adults: RM20
- Students and Malaysian senior citizens: RM10 (students must present an ID)
- Children below age six: free
IAMM is also organising workshops, as well as curators’ and conservators’ sharing sessions, throughout the exhibition period.
A beautifully illustrated exhibition catalogue featuring IAMM’s collection of artefacts from the Mysore sultanate is available for purchase at the Museum Shop for RM200.
For more information, contact 03-2092 7070. Learn more about Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia via its website, Facebook and Instagram.
