A Sultan’s Commission
In the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, commissioned a remarkable automaton. Known as Tipu’s Tiger, the device depicted a life-sized wooden tiger mauling a European soldier. Crafted by local artisans, it reflected Tipu’s fascination with European technology and his opposition to British forces.
The Ingenious Design
The automaton was more than just an art piece. A crank mechanism operated inside the tiger, allowing it to emit growls and simulate the soldier’s screams when turned. It also housed a small keyboard on the tiger’s side, making it a functional musical instrument.
Discovery by the British
When British forces captured Tipu’s capital, Srirangapatna, in 1799, they discovered the automaton among his treasures. It was taken as war spoils and later displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where it remains today.
Tipu’s Tiger is a remarkable 18th-century automaton commissioned by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The life-sized wooden tiger attacking a European soldier not only stunned its viewers but also concealed intricate mechanisms that roared and screamed.🧵1/3👇 pic.twitter.com/yKCHgFouVK
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 2, 2025