This edited volume examines the impact of decentralized governance in South Asia, focusing on historical and contemporary efforts in rural and urban areas. Written with the ultimate goal of developing an understanding of how local governance contributes to democracy, development, and citizen empowerment, the book highlights the importance of democratic decentralization, political will, and administrative support. Including contributions by a collection of international academic experts and practitioners, the book covers themes like conceptual issues, historical perspectives, fiscal decentralization, grassroots democracy, engendering local governance and the influence of information technology. Addressing challenges, sharing experiences, and suggesting practical ways to improve decentralized governance, the volume will be of interest to researchers and students of public administration, governance, South Asian politics, and development, as well as professionals working in related areas.