Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon: The Strange Fate of British Captives in the Anglo-Myso

Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon investigates the historical account of the harrowing experiences of British prisoners of war during the Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767–1799). The book traces the rise of Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan, the formidable rulers of Mysore, and their fierce resistance against British imperialism through strategic brilliance and military genius. Presenting the brutal realities of war, the political intrigues, and the clashes between the East India Company and the two Sultans, the narrative focuses on the plight of British soldiers and officials, enduring years of unimaginable suffering in captivity.

Recounting the prisoners’ resilience, the book highlights their survival against all odds. The story culminates in the dramatic fall of Seringapatam, marking the decline of Mysore’s power and the rise of British dominance in India.

Through meticulous archival research, Lizzio brings to life the complex dynamics of colonialism, war, and identity, offering a poignant recovery of a lesser-known chapter of history.

About the Author: A professor of anthropology and Middle East Studies, Ken Lizzio has taught at Winthrop and James Madison Universities and Virginia Military Institute. Prior to this, he has worked in over a dozen countries in Africa and the Middle East as a democracy and governance specialist chiefly with the U.S. Agency for International Development. He has authored several books on topics ranging from the California gold rush to early exploration in Africa. His book Embattled Saints, an ethnography of a Sufi order in Pakistan, was a runner up for the Ben Franklin Award in 2014. He lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.