Synopsis India is a nation that gives shelter to about 800 million of rural population in 5.8 lakh odd villages. The main thrust of the economic planning of the country is the development of the rural sector. In order to attain all-round sustainable socio-economic development of rural sector, there is need for a strong and efficient formal credit delivery system to ensure flow to adequate and timely credit to different segments of rural sector. The present work is based on the major findings of the research work of the author on the role of commercial banks in rural development for the award of Ph.D. Degree. In the book Dr. Das has made a sincere attempt to establish the relationship between the commercial banks and rural development. He has explicitly examined the impact of bank credit on different segments of rural sector including agriculture and allied activities, small-scale industries, rural artisans and service sector. It is hoped that this book will be of immensely useful in guarding the policy makers, planners, administrators, academicians, researchers and students and students in formulating policy paradigm on rural development.