On The Nature And Significance Of Tippu Sultan’s Rockets From A Historical Perspective
- Paper number
IAC-07-E4.3.02
- Author
Mr. S. Krishnamurthy, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Coauthor
Mr. B.R. Guruprasad, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Year
2007
- Abstract
India, with its rich historical background spanning about five thousand years, had many achievements in science and technology during ancient times. The writings on general medicine by Caraka and, specifically, on surgery by Susruta, the Iron pillar of the Gupta era at Mehrauli that has not rusted even to this day and the pioneering of decimal system and the recognition that the spinning of earth on its axis as the cause of day and night by Aryabhata in the 6th century, are some of the prominent examples that testify to ancient India’s scientific and technological prowess. In modern times, the impetus provided by India to the development of rocket technology is significant. Specifically, The rockets used by Tippu Sultan’s Mysore army during the third and fourth Anglo-Mysore wars in the closing years of 18th century created havoc in the British military camp, and more importantly, made them to notice the unique qualities of rockets as effective weapons. This in turn inspired the English inventor Col William Congreve to take up the development of rockets in a systematic way. Though crude by modern missile standards, the Iron rockets of Tippu were far ahead of contemporary European rockets and used gunpowder as propellant. This paper attempts to trace the nature and significance of Tippu’s rockets from a historical perspective.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E4.3.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.