This conceptual paper aims to critically examine the colonial legacy and its impact on development in South Asia, with a specific focus on decolonization efforts and the implications for state-building, social inequalities, and cultural preservation. It explores the ideologies and mechanisms of colonial domination and their enduring effects on the region's socio-economic and political landscape. The paper also draws upon indigenous knowledge systems and South Asian philosophical perspectives to propose alternative approaches to development that challenge Eurocentric notions and promote self-reliance, cultural diversity, and sustainable development. Through this investigation, the paper highlights the importance of decolonization for South Asia's emancipation and offers a unique perspective on post-colonial development paradigms
