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The Star
19 hours ago
- General
- The Star
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia unveils the deep claws of Tipu Sultan's history
At the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in Kuala Lumpur, the new exhibition More Than A Day As A Tiger greets visitors with the glint of steel and the weight of history. Weapons, manuscripts, and remnants of a once-magnificent throne set the stage for the story of two rulers who, in 18th century India, dared to resist the rising tide of colonial empire- building. Between 1761 and 1799, Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan ruled Mysore in southern India, becoming the fiercest obstacle to British expansion. Tipu, remembered for declaring, 'it is better to live as a tiger for a day than as a sheep for a hundred years', fell in battle in 1799 – yet his legacy endures through the objects he left behind. A detail of a two-shot flintlock gun, made by Asad Khan Muhammad in 1793 in Srirangapatna, India. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin Running until Jan 15 next year, the exhibition (at IAMM's Special Gallery II) gathers 93 artefacts – rare survivors of war and looting – including tiger-striped swords and muskets, letters from British generals, and a rare glimpse of Tipu's throne, which was torn apart for its gold and jewels. 'This is the largest collection of Tipu Sultan's treasures outside Britain. After his kingdom fell, many of his relics were looted by the British. We felt it was our responsibility to preserve and showcase them here,' says Zulkifli Ishak, IAMM project manager and exhibition co-curator. A dynasty in three acts The More Than A Day As A Tiger exhibition unfolds in three parts: Mysore's rise under Haider Ali, its height under Tipu Sultan, and its fall in 1799. 'This dynasty lasted only 38 years, but its impact was huge, especially in the 18th century when European powers were competing in India. Haider Ali laid the foundation, and Tipu Sultan built on it with innovation and fierce resistance,' says Zulkifli. Steel armour of the Nizam of Hyderabad, reflects both battlefield strength and ruling power. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias Haider Ali, though less remembered today, was a master strategist. His son Tipu Sultan inherited both his army and his vision of modernisation. With French support, Mysore built advanced weapon factories, producing firearms and rocket technology that outpaced Europe – rockets the British would later copy for themselves. One striking feature of the exhibition is how swiftly Mysore's material culture changed under their rule, with Hindu motifs on weapons and coins replaced by Islamic calligraphy and the omnipresent tiger. 'There are no official portraits of Tipu Sultan. Instead, he made the tiger his persona – stripes and claws appear on everything from his swords and guns to his uniforms and even the feet of his throne,' says Zulkifli. Fallen's king's treasures After Tipu Sultan's death, his magnificent throne was dismantled, its jewel-studded gold finials scattered across Britain and beyond. One surviving piece now rests at IAMM, displayed with reverence under soft light. A visitor admires an 1788 portrait of Tipu's ambassador to France, Muhammad Dervish Khan, painted by Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin 'The throne had eight tiger-head finials; only four survive today – three in Britain and one here in Malaysia. Even its wooden feet, carved like tiger paws, were prized by the British. That shows the respect they had for him, even as they looted his palace,' says Zulkifli. A 2021 British government report valued the 18th-century Tipu Sultan throne finial at £1.5mil (RM8.6mil). Another highlight is Tipu Sultan's personal sword, taken from his chamber after his death. Unlike the ornate ceremonial blades, it is strikingly plain, with only a simple Arabic invocation on its hilt. 'I was surprised when I first saw it. It's not flashy, but it reflects his character – the sword he truly used. After his death, the British seized it and presented it as a trophy to one of their generals,' says Zulkifli. Tipu Sultan's magnificent throne was dismantled for its gold and jewels. The exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia features one of the few gem-studded finials that survived the looting - even the throne's wooden tiger-paw feet were taken by the British. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin Nearby stand two cannons, their bronze surfaces still marked with tiger motifs. For two centuries they stood outside a Welsh castle before reaching IAMM – proof that even the victors valued Mysore's craftsmanship. Both sides of the story What sets More Than A Day As A Tiger apart from other exhibitions is how it pairs Mysore artefacts with records from both enemies and allies. 'Most of Tipu Sultan's history was written by the British, who often painted him as a tyrant. The French, his allies, described him with more admiration. Here, we try to balance those views by letting the objects speak for themselves,' says Zulkifli. A scroll painting of the Battle of Pollilur captures one of Mysore's greatest victories over the East India Company. Alongside treasures, weapons, manuscripts, documents, and paintings, the exhibition also showcases royal garments from the era. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin Split into panels, it shows Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan charging into battle, defeating British generals and taking prisoners – a dramatic scene that once shook colonial confidence. Elsewhere, a portrait of Tipu's ambassador to France, Muhammad Dervish Khan, painted in 1788 by Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun (best known for her portraits of Marie Antoinette), highlights another side of his legacy: not just a warrior, but a statesman seeking alliances across the world. 'Napoleon of the East' The final section of the exhibition carries a sombre tone. Letters from British generals reveal both their fear of Tipu Sultan and their relief at his death. One from Lord Cornwallis – the same general who surrendered to George Washington – admits Tipu Sultan was 'a man of great ability' who had been underestimated. A large painting of the Battle of Condore (December 1758), showing East India Company troops under Colonel Forde fighting the French and their allies during the Third Carnatic War. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias A painting of Tipu Sultan's young sons being handed over as hostages in 1792 marks the beginning of the end. Dressed in fine silk, they surrendered to the British; just seven years later, their father would fall in battle and the dynasty would vanish. A final British engraving, The Death Of Tipu Sultan, shows his lifeless body discovered among the ruins of Seringapatam – triumphant yet tragic, a reminder that history is often written by the victors. The gallery reflects this duality. Gold and steel dazzle the eye, while the texts remind visitors of loss and looting. The show captures not only the pride of Mysore but also the shadows of its fall. Workshops, talks, and conservation sessions accompany the exhibition, inviting visitors to engage with both the objects and the challenges of preserving them. 'Tipu Sultan's story is still relevant today. Even his enemies admired him, calling him the 'Napoleon of the East'. Through these objects, we see how he shaped his identity, resisted colonial power, and left a legacy that endured beyond defeat,' concludes Zulkifli. More Than A Day As A Tiger exhibition is showing at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur until Jan 15, 2026.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
The Mysorean ruler who battled Britain, charmed France and defied history
CELEBRITY status doesn't usually last long for world leaders. As long ago as the eighteenth18th century, those few names that were known across the planet endured a little longer. Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan have sunk into obscurity, as has their kingdom. Mysore only exists as a part of southern-Indian history these days. Karnataka is the modern incarnation and this includes locations which have become more celebrated in recent years for reasons that might have pleased Tipu Sultan. Everyone in Malaysia with an interest in tech will be familiar with Bangalore (or Bengaluru as it is known in India). This is Asia's Silicon Valley and is apparently growing faster than the sluggish old mothership in California. Malaysia's connections with southern India have been strong for more than 2,000 years. Now they are even stronger, thanks to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia's (IAMM) latest exhibition. More than a Day as a Tiger: Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore (1761-99) opened recently and should spark some interest in a kingdom that didn't last long, but almost beat the British as they advanced unstoppably across India 250 years ago. This father-and-son dynasty was the last one to thwart British ambitions in the Subcontinent. They were also remarkable for being Muslim rulers of a Hindu-majority kingdom. This has not endeared them to the current leadership of India. The name of Tipu Sultan, in particular, has been out of favour for more than a decade. Having Mahatma Gandhi praise him as a resistance hero at the time of independence hasn't helped the Mysorean cause either; Gandhi has also been demoted from his position as unimpeachable father of the modern republic. At the IAMM it's the artefacts which do the talking. Tipu Sultan, the "Tiger of Mysore", had long been Britain's bogeyman — an eastern counterpart to Napoleon in the west. The two were allies in their hatred of the British. If Admiral Nelson had not defeated the French in Egypt, Napoleon's next stop would have been India, where he was supposed to help the Mysoreans. Both rulers failed and so did Tipu's father. Tipu's name, which is mystifying in the Malay language, was a consequence of his parents visiting a Sufi holy man — Tipu Maastan Aulia — in the hope of having a male heir. Although their wish was granted, the dynasty was over within 40 years. Tipu's treasures were mostly made in Mysore and then scattered to the winds. British souvenir hunters in the early nineteenth19th century were especially enthusiastic. The systematic, officially sanctioned redistribution of Tipu's possessions made collecting them easy. It became a badge of honour for families linked with India to proclaim their part in empire building; weapons and knick-knacks belonging to Tipu Sultan did the job admirably. It was also British policy to prevent a Mysorean cult of martyrdom, although it's hard to imagine Tipu's many handkerchiefs ending up as relics inciting rebellion. Just in case, the British authorities auctioned or handed out as "prizes of war" the entire contents of Tipu's palaces. Trophies that couldn't be removed in one piece, such as Mysore's legendary jewel-encrusted throne, were taken apart to ensure fair shares. The looting of Tipu Sultan's kingdom was considered exceptional at the time. A young Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, was appalled by what he saw in Tipu's capital: "Scarcely a house in the town was left unplundered, and I understand that in the camp, jewels of the greatest value, bars of gold etc. etc. have been offered for sale in the bazaars of the army by our soldiers, sepoys and followers…" He managed to restore order with the help of hangings and floggings. Britain turned out to be a safe repository. Almost everything removed from Mysore has stayed there, until recently. Many of those who acquired the choicest plunder ingratiated themselves by presenting their spoils to King George III or the Prince Regent. At Carlton House, the future George IV displayed the militaria that he so wanted to use but never did. Dominating his personal collection was an "effigy of Tippoo Sultan on horseback, in a dress that he wore". The Royal Collection still has the supreme Tipu Sultan souvenirs, including several pieces of his throne. Other bejewelled bits of this enormous structure can now be found as far away from Carlton House as Kuala Lumpur. Despite having no gem encrustations, one of the most celebrated of Tipu's treasures is the 'bedchamber sword', taken from the inner sanctum of his favourite palace. The ruler slept in a hammock with guns and a sword as his companions. A harem of several hundred women was kept down the corridor. The sword was more than just Tipu's last line of defence; it combines superb artistry with an inscription on the blade engraved by the British Army after being presented to commander Major General Baird. Many of Tipu's possessions were in the grandest houses of Great Britain before journeying back to Asia, specifically to the IAMM. Powis Castle in Wales was home to two exceptional cannons, filled with tiger imagery. They have not seen much use since being captured at Tipu's fortress in Srirangapatna. The last time they were called into action was in 1832 to announce a visit to Powis Castle by the then Princess Victoria, before she became Queen and then Empress. Equally imposing is Wilton House, Wiltshire, home of the Earls of Pembroke for about five centuries. Used for filming TV shows that range from the tawdry Bridgerton to the super-refined Sense and Sensibility, what the dramas never show is Tipu's most remarkable firearm. The hunting gun is not only a technological marvel, but it is also decorated with an exceptionally strong showing of tigers. The problems of obtaining an export licence from the UK were detailed by this writer in the New Straits Times six years ago. After almost 10 years of obstructions, it's now in Malaysia and on display in "More than a Day as a Tiger" Although this gun was used for hunting animals rather than humans, Tipu Sultan's weaponry tends to eclipse his economic and diplomatic legacies. These were both far ahead of their time. He was also a philosopher, poet and lover of fine jewels. One of the few surviving examples is a gem-encrusted gold finial, stripped by the British from his throne. It now sparkles away majestically in the new exhibition. REMARKABLE LEADER Little remains of Mysore's diplomatic legacy. Tipu Sultan sent out many embassies for the sake of trade and military collaborations. They were meant to travel as far west as the court of King George III but never made it to England. Nor did the four elephants that the ambassadors brought with them. None survived the sea passage to Western Europe or to Sultan Abdul Hamid II in Istanbul. Economic and diplomatic projects rarely leave a physical trace. One very important exception is in the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. When the Mysorean embassy reached King Louis XVI in 1788, it was the talk of the beau monde in Paris and Versailles. The event would have been less memorable if not for a painting of Ambassador Muhammad Dervish Khan. Painted by France's leading woman artist of the time, Elisabeth Vigee-Le Brun was renowned for her portrait of Marie Antoinette. The embassy was a triumph for Indian fashion, sparking 'Tipumania' among the French. The king, however, was too preoccupied with impending revolution to be of any assistance. The ambassador in this remarkable painting was beheaded for failure on his return to Mysore. The king and queen of France met the same fate later. Soon after that, Tipu Sultan died fighting the British in 1799. Much as the British had feared and derided him during his lifetime, in death they turned him into a worthy adversary. His possessions were revered for at least a century before his name faded in the UK. With the latest exhibition at the IAMM, there is a chance that a new audience will become acquainted with a remarkable leader who has suffered more than most from the fickle nature of fame. ENDS: Jan 11, 2026
The Star
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
IAMM preps 'More Than A Day As A Tiger' exhibition on Tipu Sultan's legacy
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia's 'More Than A Day As A Tiger' exhibition, opening Aug 6, will showcase nearly 100 rare artefacts from its collection spotlighting the legacy of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore, India. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias This August, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in Kuala Lumpur unveils More Than A Day As A Tiger: The Legacy Of Haider Ali And Tipu Sultan Of Mysore — a major exhibition honouring two of 18th-century South Asia's most formidable figures. Running from Aug 6 to Jan 15, 2026, at IAMM's Special Gallery 2, the show features exhibits drawn entirely from IAMM's extensive collection. More Than A Day As A Tiger casts the spotlight on Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, legendary rulers of Mysore whose defiance against British colonial power continues to echo through time. Through a display of nearly 100 artefacts and rare historical records, the exhibition will highlight their lasting legacy, remarkable military leadership, and cultural influence during a transformative era marked by resistance, resilience, and reform. Among the highlights: a gold tiger-head finial from Tipu Sultan's 18th-century throne, set with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. Photo: IAMM 'Even though the reigns of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan lasted for less than 40 years, they made an indelible mark on the history of Britain and the Indian Subcontinent," outlines the exhibition notes. Tipu Sultan, famously dubbed the "Tiger of Mysore" by the British, became a powerful symbol of resistance when he fell defending his capital, Srirangapatna, in 1799. His death marked the collapse of Mysore and the triumph of the British East India Company, which looted his palace, weapons, court paintings and treasures. A priceless tiger-head finial, believed to be part of Tipu Sultan's legendary gold throne, is one of the exhibition's main highlights, alongside a flintlock blunderbuss (acquired by IAMM in 2005), which is lavishly decorated with bubri (tiger stripe) motifs and gold inlay. The historic weapon, manufactured at one of Tipu Sultan's armouries located in Patan (Srirangapatna), India by a local gunsmith around 1797, also bears a Persian inscription – a poem that extols its formidable power. The exhibits include an embroidered quiver and arm guards, a matching belt, and seven decorated arrows from 18th-century Mysore. Photo: IAMM IAMM's Tipu Sultan collection also includes an array of other weapons, including sporting guns, pistols and cannons. The exhibition also explores the symbolic use of the tiger across Tipu Sultan's military and personal belongings – from bubri-patterned swords and hilts to embroidered archery gear and quilted helmets. 'These artefacts will appear alongside archival documents, paintings, engravings, coins and much more. This collection testifies to the bravery of Tipu Sultan, who was famously associated with the quote, 'It is better to live like a tiger for a day, than to live like a jackal for 100 years,'' highlights the curatorial text. For history enthusiasts and curious minds, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into a chapter that connects the Islamic world with South-East Asia's colonial past. More Than A Day As A Tiger marks IAMM's second major exhibition of the year, following the recently concluded Oceans That Speak: Islam And The Emergence Of The Malay World, which examined the historical and cultural impact of maritime trade on the spread of Islam and the shaping of the Malay world. A series of public programmes and activities will accompany IAMM's upcoming exhibition, offering visitors deeper insight into the legacy of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Here's a list of Kuala Lumpur museums to explore this Museum Day
This Sunday (May 18), make International Museum Day your reason to explore. Whether you're a museum regular or just looking for something different to do, step into a gallery – you might just walk out inspired. The good news for museum lovers nationwide is that all 19 museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) will be open for free this Sunday. That includes crowd favourites like the Muzium Negara (National Museum), the National Automobile Museum in Sepang (Selangor), the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Kedah, and the Malaysia Architecture Museum in Melaka. In a recent social media post, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang encouraged Malaysians to explore the richness of the nation's history, cultural diversity, and the spirit of unity that lies at the heart of its identity. 'From north to south, east to west, museums are where the legacy of the past meets the aspirations of the future – connecting communities through unity and a shared love for history. Let's visit JMM museums across the country and celebrate our heritage together,' he said. Take your pick and plan a visit to any of the museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia – there's something for everyone to discover. If you're planning a day out in the Kuala Lumpur, here are six museums to put on your list: Visitors view the 'Congkak Burung Petalawati' exhibit at the 'Semangat Asean' regional showcase in Muzium Negara (National Museum). Photo: Bernama MUZIUM NEGARA (NATIONAL MUSEUM) With galleries on archaeology, culture, economy, and modern history, Muzium Negara offers an overview of Malaysia's story – complete with life-sized dioramas and artefacts, from traditional weapons to national records. It's a great stop for families, students, or anyone curious about the country's roots. This Sunday, check Muzium Negara's social media for planned activities like multilingual guided tours, traditional games, and dance performances. While you're there, pop by the nearby Ethnology of the Malay World Museum and Orang Asli Crafts Museum too. The 'Oceans That Speak' exhibition in IAMM explores cultural exchanges that shaped the Malay world in the region. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA (IAMM) One of the largest and most beautiful museums in Malaysia, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) houses over 7,000 artefacts – from manuscripts and jewellery to textiles and intricate architectural models. The building itself is a work of art, with elegant domes, open courtyards, and calming natural light. The ongoing exhibition Oceans That Speak: Islam And The Emergence Of The Malay World traces the country's origins and the spread of Islam across the region. Don't miss IAMM's Museum Open Day on May 21 (next Wednesday), when the international standard space will come alive with booths, performances, curator-led tours, and more. Through private collections, the UR-MU museums offer art lovers a gallery experience that blends thoughtful curation, art history, and a sense of fun. The Star/M. Irsyad UR-MU (URBAN MUSEUM) Private art museums are still a relatively new addition to downtown Kuala Lumpur, and UR-MU is leading the charge with three distinct spaces across the city. Blending contemporary art with KL's creative energy, UR-MU showcases a mix of local and international works – from paintings and Reformasi-era pieces to playful, Insta-worthy multimedia art and 1990s highlights from the Pakhruddin Sulaiman collection. During Museum Week (May 13–18), UR-MU is offering free guided tours to help visitors dive deeper into the exhibitions. On May 16, all three locations – Bukit Bintang, The Toffee (Raja Chulan) and +n by UR-MU (Jalan Tun HS Lee) – will be open to the public for free. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something fresh and urban, UR-MU is well worth the trip to the city. An array of kebaya exhibits, including the iconic Malaysia Airlines uniform, seen at the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin NATIONAL TEXTILE MUSEUM This museum, though modest in size, weaves together the story of Malaysia's textile heritage. From the intricate art of batik to the rich traditions of songket and pua kumbu, it highlights how fabric has shaped identity and culture across the country. The galleries are thoughtfully arranged, featuring traditional garments, tools, and weaving techniques. It's a fascinating stop for anyone interested in fashion, design, or cultural history. Conveniently located near Dataran Merdeka, the National Textile Museum makes for a welcome detour on a city walk. A view of the 'Palette And Pen' exhibition at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY No need to worry about admission here – entry is free. Housed within Malaysia's central bank, this unique museum blends finance, art, and culture in one engaging space. The galleries present the nation's monetary history in a fun, interactive way, making it ideal for both children and adults. Currently on show at Level 2 is Numismatic Marvels, an exhibition tracing the evolution of currency – from the world's first coin and earliest banknotes to cowrie shells. It also brings to life the stories of 20 ancient South-East Asian kingdoms through coins and currency. Literature and art also come together in Palette And Pen, a new exhibition that explores the creative intersections between Asean visual art and writing. A view of the 'Nusa' exhibition at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani NATIONAL ART GALLERY Here's another free admission national institution worth checking out. Nusa, an expansive exhibition spanning five galleries and featuring over 460 works from the national collection, is reason enough to visit – and its set to close later this year, so catch it while you can. Also on now at the National Art Gallery is the newly opened Into The Frameless, an immersive art experience, and Single, a showcase featuring emerging artist Daisy Ooi that's sure to resonate with a new generation of art lovers. For those interested in local art history, the ongoing Chung Chen Sun archive project is not to be missed. The Art Hospital is another highlight – keep an eye out for guided tours to make the most of your visit.
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kosovo president pays respects at Tun Abdullah's grave
KUALA LUMPUR: Kosovo President Dr Vjosa Osmani today paid her respects at the Warriors' Mausoleum here, where former Malaysian prime ministers and other national leaders were laid to rest, as part of her four-day official visit to Malaysia, which began on Thursday. Osmani's visit to the mausoleum, located within the compound of the National Mosque, included a moment of reflection at the grave of Malaysia's fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who died on April 14. She was accompanied by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, the minister in attendance. Also present were the late Abdullah's son, Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah, and daughter, Nori Abdullah. The visit symbolised Kosovo's gratitude for Malaysia's steadfast support during its state-building journey, particularly under Abdullah's leadership, and highlighted the shared values of peace, unity and mutual respect between the two nations. Yesterday, Osmani posthumously awarded Abdullah Kosovo's highest state honour, the Order of Independence, recognising his dedication to peace and freedom in Kosovo as well as his unwavering support for the country's independence and state-building efforts. The award was received by Abdullah's son-in-law and former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. Earlier, Osmani also visited the National Mosque and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM), underscoring the cultural significance of Kosovo's engagement with Malaysia. During the museum visit, she explored the gallery titled "Oceans That Speak: Islam and the Emergence of the Malay World", which highlighted the spread of Islam across maritime Southeast Asia and its cultural and civilisational impact on the Malay Archipelago. The National Mosque is a key symbol of Malaysia's religious and national identity, while the IAMM, which was established in 1998, is the largest museum of its kind in Southeast Asia. The cultural programme demonstrated part of her wider agenda to strengthen bilateral relations, which included the official opening of the Embassy of Kosovo in Kuala Lumpur and high-level discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. During a joint press conference yesterday, both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in key areas such as trade, education, tourism and culture, while also enhancing people-to-people ties through student exchanges and university partnerships. Malaysia officially recognised Kosovo on Oct 30, 2008, becoming one of the first Asian countries to do so. Diplomatic relations were formally established on March 18, 2011. — BERNAMA
