ACKNOWLEDGEMENT S I wish to express my heart felt gratitude T ^ to Guide Dr (Miss) Sushma Verma, History Department, University of Poona, who took much pains to give her valuable suggestions and guidance to ccxnplete my research work. It is because of her constant encouragement and guidance that this study has been completed in time, I owe much to my respected Prof. K,N, Chitnis, Head, History Department University of Poona, who constantly encouraged me by providing valuable suggestions throughout my research period. I whole heartedly express my gratitude to Prof, A.R. Kulkami, Dr. A.M. Deshpande, History Department, University of Poona, they have always been a source of constant inspiration. I feel a sincere sense of gratitude to Lieut Colonel O.N. Karir, Officer-in-Charge Corps Archives, College of Military Engineering, Poona without whose active participation and help the work was not possible, I am grateful to conmandant College of Military Engineer­ ing, Poona, Commandant Bengal Engineer Group & Centre Roorkee, Commandant Bombay Engineering Group & Centre Poona, Commandant Madras Engineer Group & Centre Bangalore for granting permission to use the facilities at their Corps Archives. I am thankful to the officers of Corps of Engineers, whom I interviewed during the research work for their help in reconstructing the events. Words fail me to express adequately my feeling of deep reverence to my husband and my two sons for their patience and every cooperation which stood the test of time of three years. Finally with sincere gratitude I acknowledge the help received from a large number of friends and colleagues here at various stages of my work. Poona ( Mrs Chandramani Salwan ) NOV. 1986..