This book investigates the complex relationship between police power and colonial rule in Madras, India, from 1859 to 1947. David Arnold, a distinguished historian of modern India, draws upon extensive archival research to examine how the colonial state utilized and shaped policing institutions to maintain its authority. The work presents a nuanced argument about the evolving nature of police power, its impact on Indian society, and its legacy beyond independence.

David Arnold's work on colonial policing in Madras is recognized for its rigorous scholarship and detailed historical analysis. Scholars in the field of South Asian history and colonial studies typically regard this book as a significant contribution to understanding the mechanisms of imperial control. The book is noted for its comprehensive scope and its critical examination of the institutions that underpinned British rule, offering valuable insights into the long-term impact of colonial policing on Indian society.