Social welfare administration can be defined as the systematic planning, organization, coordination, and supervision of social welfare activities aimed at promoting the well-being of individuals and communities, especially those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. It involves the formulation and implementation of policies, programs, and services by government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other institutions to meet the social, economic, and psychological needs of people. Social welfare administration is not only concerned with the delivery of welfare services but also with ensuring efficiency, accountability, and equity in the management of resources, personnel, and programs. It bridges the gap between social welfare policy and its practical implementation, providing a structured framework for social action to alleviate social problems, empower marginalized groups, and enhance social justice. The historical development of social welfare administration in India is closely intertwined with the country’s socio-economic evolution, colonial experience, and post-independence nation-building efforts. In the pre-colonial period, social welfare was largely community-based, informal, and rooted in religious and philanthropic traditions. Indian society had a strong culture of mutual support and charity, guided by moral and ethical principles. Institutions like temples, gurukuls, mosques, and monasteries played a pivotal role in providing education, health care, food, and shelter to the needy. The joint family system and caste-based networks also acted as informal mechanisms for social support, ensuring that vulnerable members received care and protection. During this period, social welfare administration as a formal structure did not exist, but the concept of social responsibility and collective care was deeply embedded in social practices. The advent of British colonial rule brought significant changes in the organization and delivery of social welfare services in India. The British administration initially focused on law and order, revenue collection, and economic exploitation, giving little attention to the welfare of the masses. However, social reform movements and the increasing awareness of poverty, epidemics, famines, and