Introduction

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the volume’s themes related to politics of education and democracy in South Asia. The chapter begins with an overview of British colonialism and its impact on the education systems of South Asia, exploring how present-day education is informed by the experience(s) of colonialism. It highlights social and cultural hierarchies that exist within the education system, ranging from (though not limited to) gender, caste, class, and religion, and the role of the neoliberal market. It also explores the possibility of education to achieve inclusivity and equality in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. The chapter concludes with an overview of the edited volume that focuses on four countries of South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.