Adam Newman

Adam Newman is an Assistant Professor affiliated with the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (CSAMES) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. His work focuses on the religious and political history of South Asia, particularly through Sanskrit literature, Purāṇas, and the interplay between sacred space, bodily symbolism, and Hindu traditions.

Education: Ph.D. (2019), M.A. (2009), and B.A. (2006) from University of Virginia and University of California, Santa Barbara.

Research emphasizes textual analysis of Purāṇas, spatial representations in sacred narratives, and corporeal religious symbolism. His publications explore medieval Hindu texts like the Ekaliṅgamāhātmya and regional goddess traditions in Mewar.

Recipient of the Fulbright-Nehru Research Grant (2015-2016) and multiple language fellowships. Teaches courses on Asian mythology and Hindu epics. Active in the South Asian Languages, Images, and Data Lab, advancing digital humanities initiatives.

Grants include American Institute of Indian Studies fellowships for Hindi and Sanskrit language study. His work bridges historical religious studies with contemporary cultural geography.