Who planted the symbolic Tree of Liberty at Srirangapatnam to express revolutionary and anti-colonial ideals?

Introduction / Context:
This question connects Indian history with broader world events, particularly the influence of the French Revolution. The Tree of Liberty was a symbol used by revolutionaries in France and elsewhere to represent freedom, equality and resistance to tyranny. In India, a similar symbolic act took place at Srirangapatnam, the capital of the Mysore kingdom, which shows how European revolutionary ideas travelled and inspired local rulers like Tipu Sultan.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks who planted the Tree of Liberty at Srirangapatnam.
• Options include Tipu Sultan, Murshid Quli Khan, Hyder Ali and Chin Quilich Khan.
• We assume standard modern Indian history narratives about Mysore and European influence.
• We understand the Tree of Liberty as a symbolic act, not simply planting any tree.

Concept / Approach:
Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore in the late 18th century, was known for his opposition to British expansion and for seeking alliances with France. During the period of the French Revolution, French republican ideas reached his court. As a gesture of solidarity with French revolutionary ideals, a Tree of Liberty was ceremonially planted at Srirangapatnam. This act symbolised the acceptance of liberty and republicanism in principle, even though the political context in Mysore was different from that of France. No such symbolic association is recorded for the other listed rulers in relation to Srirangapatnam.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Srirangapatnam as the capital of Mysore under Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.Step 2: Recall Tipu Sultan's known connections with French officers and his interest in French revolutionary developments.Step 3: Remember that historical accounts mention the planting of a Tree of Liberty at Srirangapatnam during Tipu's rule, influenced by French revolutionary symbolism.Step 4: Murshid Quli Khan and Chin Quilich Khan were associated with Bengal and the Deccan respectively, not with Mysore's revolutionary symbolism.Step 5: Hyder Ali, though a significant Mysore ruler, is not specifically connected with the Tree of Liberty episode.Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is Tipu Sultan.

Verification / Alternative check:
Modern Indian history textbooks and exam-preparation books frequently mention that Tipu Sultan planted a Tree of Liberty at Srirangapatnam under French influence. This is presented as evidence of how deeply he admired and adopted aspects of French revolutionary culture. MCQ collections that ask this exact question consistently list Tipu Sultan as the correct option, confirming our answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Murshid Quli Khan: He was an important Nawab of Bengal, with no link to the Tree of Liberty at Srirangapatnam.Hyder Ali: Father of Tipu Sultan and ruler of Mysore, but the specific symbolic act is associated with Tipu, not Hyder.Chin Quilich Khan (Nizam-ul-Mulk): Founder of the Hyderabad state, not involved with revolutionary symbolism at Srirangapatnam.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may confuse Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan because both fought the British and ruled from Srirangapatnam. Others might not connect the term Tree of Liberty with the French Revolution and thus treat it like an ordinary tree. To avoid mistakes, remember that the Tree of Liberty is a specifically French revolutionary symbol and that, in Indian history, this symbolic act at Srirangapatnam is linked to Tipu Sultan and his pro-French orientation.

Final Answer:
The Tree of Liberty at Srirangapatnam was planted under the leadership of Tipu Sultan.