Tippoo's Tiger (ca. 1793 (made) - 1797) by UnknownThe Victoria and Albert Museum
In 1799, after a long siege, troops of the British East India Company stormed the summer palace of Tipu, Sultan of Mysore. Inside, they found treasures adorned with Tipu's tiger emblem, from swords and coins, to a golden tiger-shaped throne and this curious musical automaton.
This automaton, known as Tipu's Tiger, depicts an almost life-size tiger mauling a man wearing European clothes. As the handle on the tiger's side is cranked, the man waves an arm and lets out a piercing shriek, while the tiger growls.
The body of the tiger contains the bellows, pipes, and cogs that comprise the mechanism. Along the side of the tiger are hatches that allow viewers to see its inner workings, and to access the simple keyboard, on which they can play tunes.
The design is unique. It was clearly made by local craftsmen, but some historians have suggested that French artisans and army engineers - allies of Tipu - may have lent a helping hand in designing the mechanism.
Tipu owned many similar artworks and artefacts depicting the humiliation of his European - specifically British - enemies. But few captured the minds more than this graphic image of Indian superiority.
As Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley, recalled, "In a room appropriated for musical instruments was found an article which merits particular notice, as another proof of the deep hate, and extreme loathing of Tippoo Saib towards the English…"
"…It is imagined that this memorial of the arrogance and barbarous cruelty of Tippoo Sultan may be thought deserving of a place in the Tower of London."
Following the siege and capture of the palace, in which Tipu was killed, the tiger was taken by the East India Company to London, where it was displayed in their company headquarters and proved to be a very popular exhibit.
As a war trophy, Tipu's symbolic victory over the British became another example of the very real victory of the British, and the image of revenge became another example of his barbarous brutality, justifying colonial rule.
Today, Tipu's Tiger is one of the most famous exhibits of London's Victoria & Albert Museum. In this video, you can hear how the tiger was restored to working condition, and its fearsome roar.
