The historical roots of social entrepreneurship in South Asia: A tapestry of change

This commentary explores the rich historical foundations of social entrepreneurship in South Asia. It reveals how longstanding traditions of charity and collective action served as precursors to structured, market-driven approaches to social change, which gained momentum across the region from the late nineteenth century onward. By examining these historical continuities and transformations, this perspective enriches the global discourse on social entrepreneurship, calling for a more inclusive understanding that values diverse cultural contexts and historical legacies in shaping social change.