Tipu Sultan's attack on Travancore in 1789 is considered the immediate catalyst for the Third Anglo-Mysore War. What was the specific point of contention regarding Travancore? |ForumIAS

[A] Travancore had granted asylum to Haidar Ali's rebellious polygars, which Tipu demanded to be surrendered.

[B] Travancore purchased the Dutch forts of Cranganore and Ayacottah, which Tipu claimed were part of his feudatory state of Cochin.

[C] The British used Travancore as a major base to smuggle arms to Tipu's northern enemies, the Marathas.

[D] Tipu Sultan attacked the British resident posted in the Travancore court, challenging the British protection treaty.

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanation:

Option (b) is Correct. The Third Anglo-Mysore War was precipitated when Tipu Sultan attacked the British ally Travancore in 1789. The immediate cause was Travancore’s purchase of the Dutch-held forts of Cranganore and Ayacottah. Tipu argued that these forts lay within the territory of Cochin, which was his tributary, and therefore their sale/purchase was an infringement on his sovereignty.