a town of Hindustan, in the territories of the rajah of Mysore. In 1645 the seat of government of the rajahs of Ikkeri was transferred to this place; and as the inhabitants of the former capital removed with the court, Bednore became a city of great importance, containing, it is said, 20,000 houses, besides huts. It was taken and plundered by Hyder in 1763, who ordered it to be called Hyder-nagur. It is still however known by its original name of Bednore. At that time it was estimated at eight miles in circumference. In 1783 it surrendered to a British detachment under General Matthews, but being shortly after invested by Tippoo Sultan, the garrison capitulated on condition of safe conduct to the coast. Tippoo violated the stipulation, put General Matthews and the principal officers to death, and imprisoned the remainder of the force. At Tippoo's death it contained 1500 houses, besides huts. Distance N.W. from Serigapatam 150 miles. Lat. 13. 50. Long. 75. 6.

The district of Bednore is situated on the summit of that range of hills, the Western Ghauts, which overlooks the provinces of Canara and Malabar. In consequence of its elevation above the sea, and the steepness of the mountain chain, which rises like a wall to the height of 4000 or 5000 feet, the clouds of the south-west monsoon are here intercepted, and their contents precipitated on the table-land in deluges of rain, which continue for six months in the year, and are extremely favourable to vegetation. Its products are pepper, betel-nut, cardamums, and sandal-wood. Cattle of small size are also bred in the district. The imports are salt, rice, cocoa-nuts, oil, turmeric and cotton cloths. (v.t.)