This three-volume set brings together a comprehensive selection of papers on development policy making and economic performance in the five major economies in South Asia - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka - during the past half a century of the post colonial era. Volume I covers economic conditions at the time of independence, and broader patterns of economic development against the backdrop of policy transition from import-substitution strategy to economic restructuring through liberalisation, and the underlying political economy. The next two volumes are arranged thematically: Volume II covers agriculture and the rural economy, industrialisation and finance and development and Volume III deals with the external dimension of development, population dynamics and human resource development, and poverty and income distribution.

The economic debates in South Asia, particularly in India, have been wide-ranging and intellectually stimulating, with active participation of a number of pioneers in development economics. The existing knowledge on a number of key issues, such as the role of development planning, foreign trade regimes and economic development, the political economy of rent-seeking, choice of technology, causes of famines, sex bias in poverty, and poverty and public policy, have been shaped significantly by the South Asian experience. This three-volume set will therefore be a valuable reference not only for the South Asian specialist but also for all students and practitioners in the field of economic development.