In coordination with the South Asian Anthropologist's Group, The South Asianist has created this special conference issue featuring titles and abstracts of the presentations in the order in which they were delivered. The aim of this project is to provide a space that captures some of the unique qualities and cumulative learning that occurs during the unique workshop/conference event. SAAG 2012 was hosted jointly by Social Anthropology and the Centre for South Asian Studies from the 4th to the 6^th, September 2012 in the Old Library, Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh, Drummond Street, Edinburgh. A relaxed and friendly event, SAAG aims to stimulate intellectual debate and dialogue on current research and emerging issues in the study of South Asia. Papers are pre-circulated to participants and the format for the panels is: paper presentation by discussant, author’s response and then open discussion.