The papers presented at a symposia deal with development as influenced by various factors such as colonial and post-colonial histories, nature of governance, role of development agencies, accessible resources, education levels, pre-existing organisations to carry out development tasks, gender differentials and empowerment of women. The papers stress the importance of indigenous knowledge and local institutions in development interventions as well as the loss of indigenous knowledge as a result of industrialisation, and the craze for modernisation as a key factor influencing development. They throw light on people’s participation in development and role of the state in development in the north-east region of the country. They are concerned with ways to ensure sustainable development through a case study among the Malaysian Indians. They take up the role of tribals especially tribal women in development, dealing, for instance, with Ghadwa art and artisans in the Bastar area in the context of development.