The papers in the volume deal with significant trends and development in population, labour force and employment, agriculture and irrigation, industrial development, the social sectors and environment. Commenting and analysing, the research writings raise questions on development issues with particular respect to Tamil Nadu which has emerged as one of the pioneers among states in the uplift of the weaker sections. Scrutinising a variety of data and with special reference to regions within the state and schemes for development, they discuss the declining significance of agriculture, characteristics and impact of ground water irrigation, industrial development, trend and pattern of employment, fertility decline and the changing landscape of higher education.