The Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Associate Professor Malini Sur and Associate Professor Muhammad Kavesh as the new co-editors of the ASAA South Asia Book Series.

Founded in 1986 and published in partnership with Routledge since 2010, the ASAA South Asia Book Series has long provided an important platform for innovative and influential scholarship in the humanities and social sciences related to South Asia. Over the decades, the series has built a strong reputation for publishing intellectually ambitious work on the societies, histories, cultures, and politics of South Asia, while also reflecting the vitality of South Asian studies in Australia and beyond.

Associate Professor Malini Sur and Associate Professor Muhammad Kavesh bring outstanding scholarly expertise, editorial judgement, and intellectual energy to the South Asia Book Series. Malini Sur, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Western Sydney University, is widely recognised for her interdisciplinary and award-winning work on mobility, borders, citizenship, technology, and everyday life. Muhammad Kavesh, Associate Professor in Anthropology at The Australian National University and Director of the South Asia Research Institute, has made an important contribution to South Asian studies through his ethnographically grounded and intellectually ambitious scholarship. Together, Associate Professor Malini Sur and Associate Professor Muhammad Kavesh bring fresh energy, deep knowledge, and a strong sense of scholarly direction to the series and are exceptionally well placed to lead it into its next chapter.

ASAA also extends its sincere thanks to the outgoing co-editors, Dr Rahul Gairola and Dr Alexander Davis, for their valued service to the series.

ASAA expresses its deep appreciation to Dr Rahul Gairola for his outstanding contribution to the South Asia Book Series over the past seven years. Since joining the editorial team in 2019, Dr Gairola has played a significant role in strengthening the series as a dynamic platform for innovative scholarship in South Asian studies. During his tenure, he has shepherded 11 titles to publication, with additional projects continuing in the pipeline. He was also instrumental in establishing the series’ International Editorial Advisory Board and in developing guidance for prospective authors preparing and submitting book proposals. ASAA is pleased that Dr Gairola has accepted the incoming co-editors’ invitation to join the International Editorial Advisory Board and looks forward to the publication of his forthcoming monograph in the series.

ASAA also extends its sincere thanks to Dr Alexander Davis for his significant contribution to the South Asia Book Series during his time as co-editor since 2023. Since joining the editorial team, Dr Davis has contributed to the series’ ongoing work, development, and continuity during an important period. ASAA gratefully acknowledges Dr Davis’s service to the series and thanks him for his commitment and contributions.

ASAA also wishes to acknowledge Routledge, and in particular, editors AnnaMary Goodall and Dorothea Schaefter, for their continued partnership and support. This collaboration has helped sustain the South Asia Book Series as a significant platform for new scholarship in South Asian studies.

With Associate Professor Malini Sur and Associate Professor Muhammad Kavesh taking up their roles, the ASAA South Asia Book Series enters a new phase with strong foundations, fresh momentum, and much to look forward to. ASAA is confident that the series will continue to thrive under their editorship.

For more information about the ASAA South Asia Book Series, including proposal guidelines and submission details, please visit the series webpage here.