Synopsis This collection of sixteen articles and reports, drawn from the action projects carried out by the Rajiv Gandhi Chair for Panchayati Raj Studies, analyzes the ramifications and dimensions of decentralization of powers in Tamil Nadu, in the light of the 73 Constitutional Amendment Act. Giving the detailed account of the context in which devolution of powers was thought of in India, it also discusses at length the practice of good governance in rural local bodies, the women representatives' perspectives on governance, the problems faced by elected women representatives, new governing culture at the grassroots level, and the role of media in supporting grassroots democracy.