The dissensions and revolutions of the native governments will point out the time when it is proper for us to become actors. It can never arrive while Tippoo exists; while his power remains unimpaired, we shall be perpetually in danger of losing what we have. Why then not remove, while we can, so formidable an enemy? But his system, if not broken, may in time be communicated to the successors of the Nizam, or other Moorish [Muslim] people who may hereafter appear in the Deccan. If once destroyed, there is little danger of its being re-established; it would require what may not appear in many ages—another Hyder; and even he would be unequal to the task . . . let us then, while we can, make the most of the superior stability of our own government; and if we are not, for inconceivable reasons of state, to extirpate Tippoo, let us at least humble him, by depriving him of the Malabar coast. When cut off from all intercourse with Europeans, his political and military systems may linger on during his reign, but will soon expire under a successor.
— SIR THOMAS MUNRO, 1ST BARONET