Brian Collins

Brian Collins is a Professor and holds the Drs. Ram and Sushila Gawande Chair in Indian Religion and Philosophy at Ohio University’s College of Arts and Sciences, within the Department of Classics and Religious Studies. He has been a faculty member since 2013 and is deeply engaged in the interdisciplinary study of South Asian religions, mythology, and the intellectual history of religious studies.

His research interests include Hinduism, Buddhism, comparative mythology, religion and the occult, and the cultural intersections of religion with film and popular media. He explores mythic narratives, ritual symbolism, and the philosophical underpinnings of Indian religions, often employing critical theoretical frameworks such as Girardian mimetic theory. His work bridges academic scholarship with public engagement through podcasts and edited volumes on cinematic horror and religious portrayals in literature.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend in reinterpreting Hindu epics, analyzing Brahmin warrior figures, and examining the material culture of religious fear in Bollywood horror. He also investigates lesser-known intellectual figures like Robert Eisler, highlighting forgotten interdisciplinary contributions to religious thought.

• Drs. Ram and Sushila Gawande Chair in Indian Religion and Philosophy

Brian Collins advises students in religious studies and South Asian traditions, though specific advisees are not listed. He has secured research support through endowed chairs and has contributed to major academic presses. His work often involves collaborative editing and interdisciplinary grants, particularly in cultural and religious studies projects.

He is affiliated with academic teams focused on Asian Studies and International Studies at Ohio University, contributing to program development and cross-cultural scholarship. His podcasting efforts also suggest involvement in digital humanities and public-facing academic initiatives.