The burial site of Tipu Sultan’s family members located in Vellore in Tamil Nadu is tickling historians’ curiosity; particularly, the tombs of Dewan Poorniah’s daughter and Tipu Sultan’s daughter Fathima Begum.
Interestingly, most historians hitherto had only sketchy information about Poorniah’s daughter who died in 1832 years after she got converted to Islam.
Historians acknowledge Tipu had 13 sons while there was not much information about his daughters. It’s here the tomb of Fathima Begum (named after Tipu’s mother) who died in 1835, gains significance.
Traditionally, it’s been believed Kaveri, daughter of Poorniah, had got converted to Islam. It’s believed Poorniah had to give her in marriage to a Muslim soldier, who molested her, after Tipu’s refusal to intervene.
“I’ve heard Poorniah’s daughter was married to a Muslim nobleman. But, I didn’t know a tomb existed in her name”, said Mysore-based Professor Sheik Ali. The British had moved the entire Tipu family to Vellore where it lived under their surveillance. However, most members were later deported to Kolkata after the failed Vellore mutiny in 1806. “Only those who’re considered harmless were allowed to stay at Vellore. So, I guess, these members belonged to that category”, said Dr Abdul Rahman Kamaruddin. Dr Kamaruddin is also the secretary general of Darul Umoor Tipu Sultan Advanced Study and Research Centre.