An exploration of the institutions, characteristics and drivers of elite philanthropy in India

The motivations for elite philanthropy are frequently questioned and often considered to be self-serving. Most of the evidence advanced to support this, however, is drawn from studies of Western philanthropists. This thesis examines elite philanthropy in India. The research applies a methodology and theoretical framework that has been used for similar research in the West. It discovers that, although the motivating factors which influence Indian philanthropists are similar to those for the West, their outcome is significantly different. This research shows elite Indian philanthropists could be understood as more altruistic and less self-serving than those identified in the West.