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Agra has more than mere mention in the Hindu scriptures. And the city’s position of strategic importance astride important trade routes historically attracted empire-builders ranging from the Lodhis and the Mughals to the British.

Now, says Royina Grewal, Agra has fallen prey to a lassitude that has caused large swathes of the once magnificent capital of emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan to succumb to decay and haphazard development.

Delving into myth and history, drawing deep conclusions from her lengthy conversations with varied citizens of multi-cultural Agra, Grewal weaves grand strands from the past with the humbler textures of present-day Agra to explain why the home of the world’s best-known monument has been allowed to disintegrate, and why the once mighty Yamuna is merely a stream of sludge. But there is hope, says Grewal.

In the shadows of the Taj:

A Portrait of Agra

Royina Grewal Penguin India Rs. 295

No longer is dosa or idlu a South Indian preserve. It has broken the barriers and travelled all over the world. So have rasgulla and tandoori chicken! They have become immensely popular among the masses.

It is a secret dream of every woman to be appreciated for her cooking and to spread a sumptuous fare for her family. This book is written for every woman who wants to be a proud cook. The simple language and elaborate instructions make it easy to follow the recipes.

Tanushree Podder

Pustak Mahal

Rs. 80

File noting has been in the recent past, and still is, under heated discussion in the context of Right to Information Act, 2005. It has, thus, been drawing a lot of interest from all concerned.

Basic note in a file is written by an Office Assistant/ Assistant Section Officer. A good note should properly define and analyse the problem; refer to relevant rules, regulations, policies and precedents; talk about alternative solutions; discuss implications of these various alternatives and then suggest a suitable solution and a draft reply. Noting and drafting has, therefore, always been a vital part of decision-making process in the Government. The quality of Noting and Drafting has deteriorated over the years. There is hardly any publication on the subject except for some references in the manuals of office procedures. Hence, this attempt, A book for Government Officials to Master Noting and Drafting. It is a comprehensive book which talks about various concepts, the significance, features of good and bad notings, and skilful drafts citing examples drawn from actual files. Different exercises, their solutions, and samples of some good file notings and useful drafts make this book valuable for all its readers.

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