31 MARCH 1894, Page 26

Haidar Ali and Tipa Sultdn. By Lewin B. Bowring. (Clarendon

Press.)—Though this is not an estimate of these two famous an- tagonists of our rule in India from the anti-British point of view, it necessarily treats the subject in a somewhat different way from that to which we are accustomed. So much is implied by its in- clusion in the series of " Rulers of India." Haidar and Tipu (commonly known as Ryder and Tippoo) were not merely enemies of the British power, but sovereigns who had a policy of their own, and methods of government which it is worth while to examine. Mr. Bowring treats, in fact, of the Mysore kingdom as it was while the father and son were in power. Their conflict with the British power is not, of course, ignored, for it is of essential importance; but it is a part only of the subject. It is sufficient to say that the volume is not unworthy of the series to which it belongs. It does not materially change our estimate of Haidar and Tipti, but it helps us to understand their position.