Providing a comprehensive overview of the study of gender in South Asia, this Handbook covers the central contributions that have defined this area and captures innovative and emerging paradigms that are shaping the future of the field. It offers a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives spanning both the humanities and social sciences, focussing on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.





The Handbook brings together key experts in the field of South Asia and gender, women and sexuality. Chapters are organised thematically in five major sections:








Historical formations of gender and the significance of colonialism and nationalism







Law, Citizenship and the Nation







Representations of Culture, Place, Identity







Labour and the Economy







Inequality, Activism and the State








This timely survey is essential reading for scholars who research and teach on South Asia as well as for scholars in related interdisciplinary fields that focus on women and gender from comparative and transnational perspectives.