From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, South Asia is home to one-quarter of the world’s population and a dynamic mix of cultures, economies, and political systems. As sweeping economic and cultural changes in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka increasingly shape global trends, the region raises urgent questions about justice, inequality, and interconnectedness. What does justice mean amid rapid economic growth and deeply rooted gender and caste roles? How can explorations of inequality engage with political realities across borders? And how do South Asia’s advances and challenges influence a world linked through business, politics, and culture?
South Asia’s impact extends far beyond its borders. The region’s thriving arts—spanning the world’s largest film industry, classical and popular music, and avant-garde expression—shape global culture in powerful ways. India’s economic transformation, with its rising per capita income and widening wealth gap, plays an increasingly visible role in international affairs. Meanwhile, South Asian diasporas, including vibrant communities across the United States and Silicon Valley, continue to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
At UC Santa Cruz, the Center for South Asian Studies brings these complex narratives into focus. With faculty renowned for their research in South Asian art, history, politics, and society, the Center fosters groundbreaking scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its work explores the intersections of culture, economy, and justice—connecting regional insights to global conversations and shaping the future of South Asian studies.