He was known for his works on Tipu Sultan and his extensive history of Karnataka
He was known for his works on Tipu Sultan and his extensive history of Karnataka
Historian and former Vice Chancellor of Mangalore and Goa Universities B. Sheikh Ali, 97, died at a private hospital in Mysuru on Thursday after a brief illness.
Pro. Ali’s body was kept in the premises of the Muslim hostel at Saraswathipuram in the city, which he had served as president for a long time, so that people could pay their last respects. Several dignitaries including the Vice Chancellor of Mysore University Hemant Kumar, former Union Minister Rehman Khan, former minister Tanveer Sait and retired and serving teachers of the university arrived to pay their tributes.
In the evening, after the funeral prayers at the mosque in the hostel premises, he was buried at the Muslim graveyard. Pro. Ali leaves behind a son and a daughter. His wife, a son and a daughter had died.
Professor Ali studied at the University of Mysore before joining the university to teach. He was a Professor of History and served as the Chairman of the Department of History at the University of Mysore before serving as the first Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University.
Born on November 10, 1925, Prof. Ali’s academic achievements include BA (Hons) in 1945, first rank at Mysore University and a gold medal, before securing second rank in MA at Mysore University in 1946. He received his first Ph.D. one from Aligarh Muslim University in 1954 and another from the University of London in 1960.
He was 47 of the Indian History Congress. was the general manager of th Sessions in 1986 and Founder President of South India History Congress in 1985. Rajyotsava Award recipient Prof. Ali served as the founding vice-chancellor of Mangalore University and Goa University in the 80s.
He has written many books in English and Urdu. Apart from his books on Tipu Sultan, he also wrote on Comprehensive History of Karnataka, Ganga of Talakad, Hoysala Dynasty, A Short History of World Civilization, Essentials of Indian Culture, History of South India, Independence of Goa, History of Bahmani and . Besides books on the life and works of Bijapuri rulers Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. Zakir Hussain.
N S Rangaraju, retired professor of ancient history and archaeology, University of Mysore, and member of the Heritage Conservation Committee of Mysore, described Professor Ali as “a historian of excellence”.
“He is the only historian who has written the true history of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. In addition, he was the only historian to write about the achievements of the four Maharajas of Mysore – Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Chamaraja Wadiyar X, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar. Unlike most historians who only recognized the Diwans, Prof. Ali also gave due importance to the contribution of the Maharajas. His book is an important work on the history of Karnataka”, Prof. Rangaraju said.
Pro. Rangaraju said that Prof. Ali has done about 50 works on Tipu Sultan and said that one has to read his books on Tipu Sultan to understand the real history of the 18th century ruler. “Even if there was any controversy, he was ready to answer. He was an authority on Tipu Sultan”, said Prof. Rangaraju praising Prof. Ali’s research method.
Higher Education Minister CN Ashwath Narayan, Prof. Condolences on Ali’s death. “We have lost a historian who had a unique perspective. He was an example for deep historical thought”, he said in a condolence message.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President DK Shivakumar have also condoled his death.