The Cambridge Economic History of Modern South Asia

A major new reference history of the colonial and post-colonial economies of South Asia, incorporating fresh historical perspectives.

In recent decades South Asia's economies, as well as the scholarship on their economic histories, have been transformed. This major new reference history incorporates recent scholarship, addresses contemporary challenges, and shifts our focus from broad generalizations to more nuanced studies emphasizing local factors, inequality and diversity.South Asia's economies, as well as the scholarship on their economic histories, have been transformed in recent decades. This landmark new reference history will guide economists and historians through these transformations in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Part I revisits the colonial period with fresh perspectives and updated scholarship, incorporating recent research on topics such as gender, caste, environment, and entrepreneurship. The contributors highlight the complex and diverse experiences of different groups to offer a more nuanced understanding of the past. Part II focuses on economic and social changes in South Asia over the last seventy-five years, offering a comprehensive view of the region's historical trajectory. Together, the contributions to this volume help to reassess the impact of colonialism through a more informed lens, as well as providing analysis of the challenges and progress made since independence.