The statute to establish Fort William College in the city was dated May 4, 1800, to celebrate the first anniversary of the victory over Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam.
In the decisive 1799 battle, Seringapatam was captured and Tipu Sultan was killed by the British army led by Governor-General Wellesley. For the British, this meant much greater access to the south of India. The next year, Wellesley thought the occasion was significant enough to be celebrated, and though Fort William College actually started later, the date of its foundation was made to coincide with that of the victory over Tipu Sultan.
The college was established to provide instruction in Indian languages to civil and military officials of the East India Company and would play a major role in the history and culture of India.
