29 MARCH 1930, Page 24

Like some great gopurant of Southern India that mounts skyward

with tier upon tier of strange sculptures, some graceful, some grotesque, in apparent confusion, yet linked by an underlying plan and symmetry, so the All-India Special Number of the Kaiser-i-Hind presents its Bombay readers with the views of distinguished Hindu, Muhammadan, Sikh, Parsi and European contributors, until the British reader feels inclined to give up the problem of India, as here pre- sented, in despair at ever reconciling so many opinions. But gradually, through praise and diatribe, two or .three clear impressions will form in his mind. First, the frankness with which the leaders of Indian thought are facing their chief problems. Dr. Tagore, for instance, sends a message : " Let not my countrymen always indulge in a spectacular show of love for their country, but cultivate a quiet taste for sober service." Secondly, the growth of the modern spirit during the last ten years in. India, so ably set forth by Sir Phiroze Sethna. And lastly, the peculiarly Indian qualities, both good and bad, evident in this number. It is large in size, enthusiastic, original, undeniably clever in parts ; yet four of the articles are printed twice over, and there are many misprints and rats-spellings. India has an immense con- tribution to make to the thought of the world. The Kaiser-i- Hind, with its brilliance and diversity and occasionally slipshod make-up, would be of interest as an indication of racial tendencies even if it did not contain, as it does, important articles from many prominent men.

* * * *