Development of Transport and Communication unfolds how a weak economy perpetuated the weak transport system and weak transport system hindered the economic progress of a state. The province of Orissa since its inception remained an administrative appendage of Bengal. The prolonged neglect of transport system reached its climax. The famine of 1866 came as a nightmare for the province. The feeble transport system became a potent factor for the aggravation of the famine. Te Famine Commission made recommendations, which laid the foundation stone not only to change the transport picture entirely but also to develop the economy. The Post-Famine period witnessed a momentous change in the province. The blue-print for the development of the roads, railways, ports, Inland Navigation and Post and Telegraph was prepared. Its sophisticated analysis highlights the march of transport, system which coincided with speedy rise and growth of economy. By 1936, the chariot of transport embraced the nook and corner of Orissa, which provided formidable ground for the unification of Orissa in 1936. This book is a meticulous scholarly effort and purely based on primary sources. This will undoubtedly deepen and broaden our understanding on transport in British period. It is hoped that everyone interested in transport history of India in general and Orissa in particular will find this work quite informative and illuminating. Contents: Introduction; Development of Roads; Development of Railways; Development of Ports; Development of Inland Navigation; Development of Post and Telegraph; Conclusion; Appendices; Bibliography, and Index.

Rule of the Chaks in Kashmir from 1554 to 1586 A.D., though described by various authors in their books, has not received the attention it really deserved. The gap lift by the various historians has been abridged in the present book after a deep investigation and study by the author. The book contains a detailed description about the rise of Chaks and gives an account of their consolidation. Interestingly territory fixed by Ghazi Shah remained unchanged under his successors. Reign of Yusuf Shah has been covered widely. It was during his reign that the most hated tax of Jaziya was abolished. His submission to the Moughals and his end is very interesting. Main rival king of Chak was Akbar. Atlast the Moaghal emperors became very cruel to these Chaks because there were many complaints about them. Moughal rulers ordered to kill them at sight. To save themselves, the Chaks became Gulbans. Culture of Kashmir saw a sharp rise and also declined during the reign of Chak. Their love for music was also very famous. The book must be read with interest so that one can understand the Chaks very well. The author has taken lot of pains in bringing to light the reign of Chak.

This book gives us a description of one of the loveliest countries of the world, with its beautiful lakes and rivers; its picturesque town and country life. Kashmir is known as a paradise of the world. The material which is included in this book is such as The Approach; The Vale of Kashmir; A Great Waterway; The City of Seven Bridges; A day on a Ridge, Village life; Stories of the Past; Resources and Development; Ancient Temples and Shrines; The Moghul Gardens; The Lakes of Kashmir; Springs and Pixies-Trans and Torrents; Wild Flowers; Mountain Peaks and Glaciers; A Glimpse of Kashmir Tibet; Some Kashmiri Types; Social Customs and Religions. From April to November inclusive the climate of Kashmir is delightful. From June 15th to the middle of September the valley of Kashmir and Srinagar are, however, uncomfortably warm. The maximum temperature indeed may then range between 85 and 100 F. Owing to the submerged rice fields and the lakes the atmosphere is humid. It feels rather like the interior of a Kew Gardens conservatory; Mosquitoes abound. This is the time to migrate to one of the hill stations-Gulmarg or Pahlgam, -or to go into camp among the mountains.. Three or four thousand feet above the valley the climate at this reason is perfect. April, May, October and November are pleasant months in the valley of Kashmir, Most residents and visitors live in houseboats, of which there are a large number on the river and also on the Dal lake. Many of these houseboats are very comfortable and commodious. Hotel and boarding house accommodation is limited and it is advisable to make early application.

The present work is a well-considered tribute to the beautiful kingdom in the Himalayas. It brings together excerpts from all the reputed chronicles and accounts of various times in the past two and a half centuries-Pemberton, Turner, Bogle and some others. Materials have been put together in three distinctive volumes under the collective title of Bhutan Through the Ages. The effort has borne fruit because of the generous assistance provided by several persons and offices: the reading of the various accounts transports one into a land that is as romantic as the thoughts that are inspired by it. It would serve its purpose well even if it brings to mind the splendors of one of the few remaining kingdoms in the world and of its many delights and dilemmas, the dynamics of dynasty and the grand affairs of state. Details of the Volumes . Bhutan: Emergence of a Nation-State . Discovering Bhutan: Excursions and Explorations . Historical Foundations and Political Evolution Students, researchers, and teachers in the field besides the administrators, anthropologists and adventurers will find this a unique reference work.