"Sport in South Asia has a long and varied history that is often dramatic, sometimes violent, and which always promises to reveal much about the broader currents that have shaped culture and society. These stories contain elements of colonialism and show the rise of nationalism and the emergence of communalism: other examples show how the establishment of nationhood in a post-colonial world, the challenge of the regions to the political centre and the impacts of globalization and economic liberalization have all left their mark on the development of sport in South Asia. Quite simply, South Asian history and society have transformed sports in the region while at the same time such games and activities have often shaped the development of South Asia." "This volume is both an introduction to the sporting histories of the region and an exploration of the relationships between sport, history and society in South Asia."--BOOK JACKET.