'The Marquis Cornwallis receiving the Hostage princes, sons of Tippoo Sultan', 1792

Line engraving by D Orme after M Brown. Published by D Orme, 1799.

During the 3rd Mysore War (1790-1792), a British force under Lieutenant-General Lord Cornwallis, Governor-General of India, besieged Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, in his fortified island capital of Seringapatam. Tipu eventually made peace by ceding a large part of his dominions and a substantial financial settlement to the British. However, Cornwallis also demanded two of Tipu's sons as hostages to ensure that the Treaty was fulfilled.

The young Princes Abdul Khaliq (aged ten) and Mohin-ud-din (aged eight), left their father's city in some state, mounted on elephants in a procession led by camels and standard bearers, followed by an escort guard. They were received by Cornwallis with a 21-gun salute, and were each presented with a gold watch. In return, they gave him a fine Persian sword. In March 1794, on the fulfilment of his promises, the hostages were returned to their father.