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Synopsis "This book studies the impact of literacy programmes in rural communities of the Jaipur district of Rajasthan. In particular, the authors address the issues of female empowerment, human rights and dignity within a contextualised framework. Local responses to innovative literacy programmes launched by Lok Jumbish, Women's Development Project, Sandhan, Vishakha, State IDARA, IEC and other agencies are examined. The analysis also takes note of research conducted by the Institute of Development Studies. Further, Abraham and Lal give a useful account of culturally coded learning materials such as word-centered modules, numeracy units and primers. The detailed field interviews determine the impact of literacy in terms of attitude towards girl-child education, marriage age, dowry and sati. This subject is significant because Rajasthan has specially targeted the girl-child as a potential agent of change. The book is among the few of its kind that gives an integrated statement on the education/literacy conditions of a single district in India. Combining data and narrative it will appeal to several categories of readers."