Deconstructing Tipu Sultan’s Tiger Symbol in G.A. Henty’s Novel The Tiger of Mysore

Abstract

This paper deconstructs G.A. Henty’s novel The Tiger of
Mysore to show that it subverts Tipu Sultan’s tiger emblem to undermine
his courage, martial ingenuity, and spirit of independence. Using
Derrida’s concept of différance the study undertakes a close reading of
tiger imagery to reveal that emblematic of Tipu’s leadership the Indian
tiger is variously portrayed as formidable to morbidly bloodthirsty and
finally as vulnerable. This method demonstrates that Tipu’s shifting
interpretations conveyed through the tiger motif are influenced by the
expediency of the period and circumstances prevailing then. The
variations in Tipu’s portrayal come down to one conclusion, i.e. to vilify
Tipu and to justify expansion of the British Empire.