This document provides an overview of the history of rural mechanization in South Asia based on a presentation given in 2017. It discusses the evolution of academic debates and data collection on the topic from the 1960s to present. Key observations from the historical spread of mechanization in South Asia are presented, including the diversity of equipment used, the role of informal technology innovation, and the importance of markets in powered services. The rapid adoption of certain technologies and emergence of hotspots and trade corridors are also noted. The document aims to provide context around rural mechanization experiences in South Asia to inform current policy debates.