The Economy of South Asia : From 1950 to the Present

Description

This book explores the historical roots of rapid economic growth in South Asia, with reference to politics, markets, resources, and the world economy. Roy posits that, after an initial slow period of growth between 1950 and the 1980s, the region has been growing rapidly and fast catching up with the world on average levels of living. Why did this turnaround happen? Does it matter? Is it sustainable? The author answers these questions by drawing connections, comparisons, and parallels between the five large countries in the region: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It shows why, despite differences in political experience between these countries, similarities in resources and markets could produce similar trajectories. Home to a fifth of the world’s population, South Asia’s transformation has the power to change the world. Most accounts of the process focus on individual nations, but by breaking out of that mould, Roy takes on the region as a whole, and delivers a radical new interpretation of why the economy of South Asia is changing so fast. Read more... Abstract: This book explores the historical roots of rapid economic growth in South Asia, with reference to politics, markets, resources, and the world economy. Roy posits that, after an initial slow period of growth between 1950 and the 1980s, the region has been growing rapidly and fast catching up with the world on average levels of living. Why did this turnaround happen? Does it matter? Is it sustainable? The author answers these questions by drawing connections, comparisons, and parallels between the five large countries in the region: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It shows why, despite differences in political experience between these countries, similarities in resources and markets could produce similar trajectories. Home to a fifth of the world’s population, South Asia’s transformation has the power to change the world. Most accounts of the process focus on individual nations, but by breaking out of that mould, Roy takes on the region as a whole, and delivers a radical new interpretation of why the economy of South Asia is changing so fast Front Matter ....Pages i-xv Introduction (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 1-21 Defining the Region: Geography and History (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 23-37 The State and the Economy I: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 39-74 The State and the Economy II: Sri Lanka and Nepal (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 75-93 Growth and Development (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 95-127 Land Reforms (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 129-154 The Green Revolution (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 155-181 Trade and Industry I: India (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 183-214 Trade and Industry II: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 215-237 Business (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 239-285 Migration (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 287-303 Summary and Conclusion (Tirthankar Roy)....Pages 305-313 Back Matter ....Pages 315-351