This ''Handbook on the South Asian Economies'' (a companion to the ''Handbook on the Northeast and Southeast Asian Economies'') is a comprehensive and unique collection of original studies on the economic and social development of countries in South Asia. The analytical narratives draw upon a wide range of existing literature in an easily accessible way, whilst highlighting the impact of socio-political factors on economic outcomes. The introductory chapter by the editors provides a comprehensive survey of the main features of South Asian economic development, especially in respect of the policy reforms since the late 1970s.The handbook seeks to understand the varying degrees of achievements in economic transformation and social development in various parts of South Asia, and ponders whether these experiences indicate alternative pathways of socio-economic progress or provide a unique framework for a South Asian development model. The experiences of economic reforms across the South Asian countries, with their distinctive socio-economic settings and public cultures, may thus provide fresh perspectives on the emerging development paradigms. The Handbook is indeed based on the premise that development economics and South Asia have a lot to learn from each other.As with the ''Handbook on the Northeast and Southeast Asian Economies'', this latest handbook will be an invaluable reference work for many years to come for researchers, academics and students of Asian studies and economics. Policymakers interested in learning more about the background and future opportunities and challenges posed by these economies will also find much to engage them.