Sebastian Prange

Sebastian Prange is an Associate Professor of South Asian History in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Arts. His research focuses on economic history and maritime trade networks in the Indian Ocean world, with special emphasis on Islam in monsoon Asia. He holds a PhD from the University of London.

Prange's work examines the historical intersections of trade, faith, and maritime violence, particularly exploring piracy as an economic system and the development of capitalism from non-European perspectives. His research spans medieval to colonial periods, analyzing how religious and cultural exchanges shaped trade networks across South India and the broader Indian Ocean region.

His publications demonstrate consistent focus on maritime history, with recurring themes of trade diasporas, colonial encounters, and religious syncretism. Recent work increasingly examines legal frameworks governing historical ocean spaces.

Major Awards:

• AHA John F. Richards Prize in South Asian History
• AHA Pacific Coast Branch Book Award
• Biennial Best Article Prize (Forum on European Expansion)
• Pollard Prize (Institute of Historical Research)