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Donald R. Davis, Jr. is Professor and Chair of the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Liberal Arts. With a PhD from the same institution, he has established himself as a leading scholar in Hindu law and Dharmaśāstra studies. His work bridges religious studies, legal history, and South Asian studies, making significant contributions to our understanding of law and religion in medieval India. Davis earned his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, where he has built his academic career. His scholarly journey has been deeply rooted in the study of Sanskrit legal traditions and their intersection with religious practice. Professor Davis's primary research concerns the interaction of law and religion in medieval India. He examines both historical evidence for law and legal practice through inscriptions and regional language documents, as well as the Dharmaśāstra tradition as a system of religious law and jurisprudence. His work situates Sanskrit normative texts within historical contexts while exploring their conceptual frameworks. He maintains the Resource Library for Dharmaśāstra Studies and has published extensively on Hindu law, including books such as The Spirit of Hindu Law (2010) and The Dharma of Business (2017). Davis's recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on the intersection of law, religion, and ethics in Hindu tradition. His work explores caste, conservatism, marital ethics, and the historical development of legal thought in India. He frequently draws comparative connections between Hindu legal traditions and other religious legal systems, contributing to broader conversations in legal anthropology and comparative religious law. Professor Davis actively supervises graduate students interested in Dharmaśāstra traditions and their relevance to law, religion, history, politics, and economics in India. He encourages students with broader interests in comparative religious law (Jewish law, Islamic law, Roman law, etc.) and works with those studying various aspects of Hinduism and classical religions in India, particularly in normative and "mainstream" areas such as Vedānta, Pūrva-Mīmāṃsā, Epics, and Purāṇas.

• Sanskrit
• Dharmaśāstra
• Law and Religion
• +5 more

Rachel Fell McDermott is Professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures at Barnard College, Columbia University, specializing in South Asian religions, particularly the Hindu goddess traditions of Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Her work bridges religious studies, human rights, and comparative religion, with a strong focus on Kali, Durga Puja, and the literary legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam. Education: A.B., Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania, 1981 M.Div., Harvard Divinity School, 1984 A.M., Study of Religion, Harvard University, 1986 Ph.D., Study of Religion, Harvard University, 1993 Her research centers on the religious and cultural dynamics of Bengal, exploring themes such as goddess worship, ritual practices, religious poetry, and the intersection of religion with politics and identity. She is deeply engaged in comparative religion, examining how religious themes like suffering, sacrifice, and divine femininity manifest across traditions. Her scholarship also addresses diasporic religious experiences, digital religion, and interfaith dialogue, particularly between Hindu and Christian communities. The 15 most recent publications reflect a sustained scholarly engagement with goddess traditions, especially Kali and Durga, as well as broader themes in South Asian religion, including Tantric symbolism, festival culture, and the reception of Hindu deities in the West. Her work spans ethnographic, historical, and textual analysis, often highlighting the contested and evolving nature of religious canons. She frequently contributes to major academic anthologies and journals in religious studies, South Asian studies, and comparative theology. Scientific Awards: No specific awards listed in the provided text. As a senior professor and managing editor of major academic volumes, she has likely advised numerous graduate students and secured research funding, though specific names and grants are not mentioned. She teaches courses such as “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” that explore theodicy across religions. She is currently on leave for the 2024–2025 academic year, indicating ongoing active involvement in academic life. She is involved in significant editorial projects, including the third edition of The Sources of Indian Traditions , and is working on translations and a monograph on Kazi Nazrul Islam. Her scholarly presence includes invited lectures at institutions such as Princeton, the University of Connecticut, and the Bangla Academy in Dhaka, reflecting her international recognition in the field of South Asian religious studies.

• South Asian Religions
• Hindu Goddess Worship
• Bengali Religious Traditions
• +12 more

Jeffrey S. Lidke is a Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Berry College. He holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado (1990), M.A. (1996), and Ph.D. (2000) in South Asia Religion and Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. A Fulbright Dissertation Fellow to Nepal (1996-97), his research focuses on Nepalese Tantra, South Asian religious traditions, and the intersection of contemplative practices with neuroscience. His major works include The Goddess Within and Beyond the Three Cities (2017) and Viśvarūpa Maṇḍir: A Study of Chaṅgu Nārāyaṇa (2017). Key research areas include Śākta Tantra's political theology, Abhinavagupta's monistic philosophy, and the neuroscientific implications of Tantric meditative practices. His work bridges textual analysis with ethnographic fieldwork in Nepal and India. Education: B.A., Religious Studies, University of Colorado (1990) M.A., South Asia Religion and Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara (1996) Ph.D., South Asia Religion and Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara (2000) Research Interests: Indian and Nepalese Tantra Kashmir Śaivism Cognitive Neuroscience of Contemplative Practices Embodied Mysticism in Art and Dance Maṇḍala Theory and Political Theology Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on the Sarvāmnāya Tantra system Explored neuroscientific applications of Tantric meditation Edited volumes on South Asian religious practices and ecology Awards: Fulbright Dissertation Fellowship (1996-97) Professional Activities: Co-editor of Southeast Review of Asian Studies Interviews on Tantric philosophy and Yoga-Neuroscience connections

• Religious Studies
• Indology
• South Asian Religion
• +7 more

Brian A. Hatcher is the Packard Professor of Theology and a Professor in the Department of Religion at Tufts University's School of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on modern and contemporary Hinduism, particularly in colonial and postcolonial South Asia, with a specialization in Bengal and Sanskrit learning. Education: PhD, Harvard University (1992) MA, Harvard University (1986) MDiv, Yale University (1984) BA, Carleton College (1980) Research Interests: Dr. Hatcher explores Hinduism's transformation during colonial periods, focusing on figures like Ishvarchandra Vidyasagar and movements such as the Swaminarayan Sampraday and Brahmo Samaj. His work challenges traditional reform narratives by analyzing religious polities and vernacular modernity. Recent projects include mapping the Dasnami Sampraday's historical influence in Bengal and completing an annotated translation of Vidyasagar's Bahu-bibaho ("Against High-Caste Polygamy"). Awards & Grants: Packard Professor of Theology American Academy of Religion Individual Research Grant (2020) Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship (2006) American Philosophical Society Fellowship Teaching: Courses include 'Modern Hinduism,' 'Religion and Colonialism in South Asia,' and 'Hindu-Christian Studies.' Key Publications: Hinduism Before Reform (Harvard UP, 2020) Idioms of Improvement (Primus Books, 2020) "Daśanāmī samādhis in West Bengal" (Journal of Hindu Studies, 2021) His work bridges historical analysis, textual criticism, and colonial-era social dynamics.

• Modern and contemporary Hinduism
• Religion and colonialism in South Asia
• Bengal studies
• +3 more

John Nemec is a Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia, specializing in Indian religions, Tantric studies, and Sanskrit literature. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania (2005), an MPhil from the University of Oxford (2000), an MA from the University of California, Santa Barbara (1997), and a BA from the University of Rochester (1994). His research focuses on the philosophy and religious literatures of Kashmir (9th–12th centuries), particularly the non-dual Śaivism of Somānanda and the Pratyabhijñā School. He has authored three books, including *The Ubiquitous Śiva*, and numerous articles on topics such as Sanskrit narrative literatures, religion-politics interfaces, and premodern South Asian intellectual history. His work explores the interplay between religious thought, cultural production, and social institutions in Kashmir, with a focus on textual analysis and historical context. Nemec’s scholarship bridges textual studies, philosophy, and cultural history, emphasizing the legacy of Kashmiri intellectual traditions in broader South Asian contexts.

• Hinduism and Indian Religions
• Śaivism
• Sanskrit
• +4 more

Rakesh Peter-Dass serves as Associate Professor of Religion at Hope College, where he has been teaching since 2016. His academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions including Harvard University, Yale University, and the University of Oxford, where he earned advanced degrees in theology, divinity, and business administration. His research focuses on the complex intersections of religion with business, language, law, and politics, particularly in the South Asian context. Dr. Peter-Dass examines how religious identities are shaped through linguistic choices, legal frameworks, and socio-political dynamics, with special attention to Hindu-Christian relations and religious rights. His work bridges theological scholarship with practical applications in interfaith dialogue and religious freedom advocacy. His publications reveal a consistent focus on South Asian religious contexts, particularly examining Hindi Christian literature, Hindu nationalism, and comparative theological approaches between Hindu and Christian traditions. The research demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between religious studies, political science, linguistics, and legal studies, with significant contributions to understanding religious rights in both Indian and American Supreme Court contexts. Among his notable honors are the Saïd Foundation Scholarship from Oxford University, multiple Harvard University fellowships, and the Selva J. Raj Endowed International Dissertation Research Fellowship from the American Academy of Religion. His teaching excellence has been recognized through Harvard University's Certificate of Distinction in Teaching. Dr. Peter-Dass has served in significant professional capacities including as Co-Chair of the Theology and Religious Reflection Unit at the American Academy of Religion (2018-2023) and on the Editorial Board of the Hindi Theological Literature Committee in India (2011-2015). His extensive consulting work with international development agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and religious bodies demonstrates his commitment to applying academic research to real-world religious and social challenges.

• Religion and Society
• World Religions
• Business and Religion
• +7 more

Rodney Sebastian is an Assistant Professor in the Theology and Religious Studies Department at St. John's University's St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, an M.A. from the National University of Singapore, and B.A. degrees from Curtin University of Technology (Australia) and the National University of Singapore. His research focuses on the intersection of politics, religion, and aesthetics in Manipur, India, with a particular interest in the sociopolitical origins of Manipuri Rāsalīlā dance dramas and classical Asian texts on governance. He also explores contemporary state-religion dynamics in Singapore and South/Southeast Asia. Dr. Sebastian’s multidisciplinary approach integrates anthropological fieldwork, archival research, and textual analysis. He is affiliated with the Bhāgavata Purāṇa Research Project at the Oxford Center for Hindu Studies and advocates interfaith dialogue. His teaching emphasizes experiential learning through field trips, community engagement, and high-impact pedagogical practices. His publications span topics such as Manipur’s sociopolitical history, Singaporean religious agency, and Hindu diaspora studies. Beyond academia, he contributes to cultural preservation initiatives and global religious discourse.

• Asian Religions
• Political Theology
• Religious Studies
• +3 more

Michael S. Allen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. His work bridges philosophy and religion in South Asia, with broader interests in global philosophy and environmental ethics. He specializes in the intellectual history of Advaita Vedānta, utilizing Sanskrit and early Hindi sources. Allen earned his PhD from Harvard University, MTS from Harvard Divinity School, and BA from the University of South Carolina. His research explores how South Asian perspectives, particularly vernacular texts, shape contemporary understandings of human-environment relationships and ethics. Key themes include: Advaita Vedānta's social history Vernacular and Persian Vedānta Environmental ethics and climate action Hindu-Buddhist debates Global philosophy of religion His publications highlight trends in Advaita Vedānta's global influence, the integration of vernacular traditions into scholarly canons, and cross-cultural dialogues on divine infinitude and idolatry. Recent scholarship (2017–2022) emphasizes inclusivism in Vedantic doxographies, environmental stewardship, and synthesis of devotion and knowledge. Allen was a Mellon Fellow at UVa’s Institute of the Humanities & Global Cultures and co-founded the American Academy of Religion's Hindu Philosophy Unit. He advocates for pedagogy that respects non-Western epistemologies and addresses modern ecological challenges.

• Philosophy of Religion
• South Asian Philosophy
• Environmental Ethics
• +9 more

Academic Overview: Todd Lewis is a Distinguished Professor of Arts and Humanities at the College of the Holy Cross, holding the Monsignor Edward G. Murray Professorship. He specializes in Newar Buddhism, Himalayan religions, and the intersections of ecology and religion. Lewis earned his Ph.D. in Religion from Columbia University and has conducted extensive fieldwork in Nepal. Education: Ph.D. in Religion, Columbia University Research Interests: Lewis focuses on Buddhist narratives, ritual practices, and the role of merchants in religious history. His work explores Newar Buddhism, Himalayan cultural history, and the application of religious frameworks to contemporary issues like ecology. Grants & Leadership: Lewis directed six NEH summer institutes for educators, emphasizing Himalayan studies and Buddhist traditions. He has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, and others. Labs/Teams: Active in Holy Cross' Asian Studies and Environmental Studies programs. Co-founded the Journal of the North American Japanese Garden Association and serves on editorial boards for Journal of Buddhist Ethics and Religions .

• Buddhism
• Hinduism
• East Asian Religions
• +3 more

Dalpat Rajpurohit is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Liberal Arts, specializing in Hindi language and literature within the College's Asian Studies department. Holding a PhD from Presidency University, Kolkata, he teaches courses exploring South Asian history, religions, and literary traditions through Sanskrit and Hindi texts. Education: PhD in Hindi Literature, Presidency University Affiliations: University of Texas at Austin, Asian Studies, College of Liberal Arts Research: Focuses on pre-modern Hindi/Braj literary intersections with Bhakti, Vedanta, Riti, and colonial language shifts His work challenges simplistic binaries in Hindi literary historiography, demonstrating how early modern Indian poet-saints like Sundardas blended devotional and courtly traditions under Mughal-Rajput multiculturalism. He analyzes how Dādūpanthi saints navigated Jain merchant networks and Mughal imperial policies like sulḥ-i kull while advancing non-dualist Vedanta in Braj poetry. Rajpurohit's research has been recognized with the 30th Devishankar Awasthi Samman and Amar Ujala Best Book Award (2023) . He supervises graduate students in pre-modern Hindi archives, early modern literary networks, and topics like caste, gender, and multilingualism in South Asian literature.

• Hindi Language
• Literary Cultures of Early Modern India
• Religious Cultures of Early Modern India
• +11 more

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.

• Hinduism
• South Asian Religious History
• Sanskrit Literature
• +3 more

Vasudha Narayanan is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Religion at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Bombay and has held leadership roles including President of the American Academy of Religion (2001-2002). Her research focuses on Hindu traditions in India, Cambodia, and America, with particular emphasis on visual culture, gender, and material religion. Educated at the Universities of Madras, Bombay, and Harvard, her work explores themes such as Hindu temple architecture in Cambodia, diasporic religious practices, and gendered expressions of devotion. She has authored nine books, including co-editing the Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism , and has been supported by grants from the Guggenheim Foundation, NEH, and ACLS. In 2023, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her research interests span Khmer art history, Bhakti poetry, and the intersection of religion with environmental ethics. She co-founded the Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions (CHiTra) at UF, dedicated to advancing scholarship on Hindu culture. Her recent work examines the cultural and religious exchanges between India and Cambodia, as well as the role of performance and ritual in diasporic Hindu communities. Notable awards include the University of Florida’s Teacher Scholar of the Year (2010). Her articles analyze topics ranging from temple iconography to gendered devotional practices, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary and globally oriented religious studies.

• Hindu Traditions
• Religious Studies
• Cultural Studies
• +4 more

Dr. Wannasarn Noonsuk is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art, Design, and Art History at California State University, Fresno, where she has taught courses like Asian Art, Southeast Asian Art, and South Asian Art since 2018. Her research focuses on the archaeology of Peninsular Thailand , early maritime trans-Asiatic trade , state formation in Southeast Asia , and the social roles of Hindu-Buddhist art . Education : Post-Doctoral Study (2013), École Française d'Extrême-Orient; Ph.D. (2012), M.A. (2009) in Art History, Cornell University; M.A. (2005) in Anthropology, University of Hawai'i; B.A. (2001) in Archaeology, Silpakorn University. Her recent publications analyze Hindu elements in Southeast Asian art (2024), Srivijaya network dynamics (2024), and employ scientific analyses of ceramics (2019-2020) to trace trade and cultural exchange. She has presented at institutions including SOAS (2021), National University of Singapore (2019), and Cornell University (2010), and serves as Vice President of Programs for the Fresno County Archaeological Society (2021-present). Her work spans archaeological science , cultural heritage management , and cross-cultural interactions between South and Southeast Asia, particularly in pre-modern trade and religious networks.

• Archaeology of Peninsular Thailand
• Early maritime trans-Asiatic trade
• State formation in Southeast Asia
• +4 more

Radhika Govindrajan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Director of the South Asia Center at the University of Washington's Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies. A cultural anthropologist, her work spans multispecies ethnography, environmental anthropology, political anthropology, and South Asian studies. Education: Ph.D., Anthropology, Yale University (2013) M.A., Modern History, Jawaharlal Nehru University (2006) B.A., History, Delhi University Her research investigates how human relationships with nonhumans in South Asia intersect with religious nationalism, gender politics, conservation efforts, and caste dynamics. Current projects examine democratic politics through more-than-human sociality, rural subjectivity through scandals, and electoral practices in Himalayan communities. Scientific recognition includes: 2017 AIIS Edward Cameron Dimock Prize 2019 Gregory Bateson Prize 2021 Diana Forsythe Prize Honorable Mention 2020 Green Lit Fest Honour 2016 General Anthropology Division Award 2016 Anthropology and Environment Society Junior Scholar Award ACL and Fulbright fellowships for field research She teaches courses on animal studies, ethnography, and South Asian agrarian and religious transformations. Her 2018 book Animal Intimacies challenges human exceptionalism in Himalayan ethnography.

• Multispecies Ethnography
• Environmental Anthropology
• Gender and Sexuality
• +11 more

Mark McClish is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Northwestern University specializing in classical Hinduism, with particular expertise in early legal and political Sanskrit literature ( dharmaśāstra and arthaśāstra ). His research explores the intricate intersections of religion, law, and political authority in classical South Asia through meticulous textual analysis. His academic credentials include: B.A. in Religious Studies from Indiana University M.A. and Ph.D. in Asian Cultures and Languages (specialization: Sanskrit and Indian Religions) from the University of Texas at Austin McClish's scholarly work centers on frameworks of political thought in ancient India, the historical development of Hindu law, and the political dimensions of Brahmanical orthodoxy. He investigates how concepts of fate, sovereignty, and sacred duty shaped classical Indian governance through close readings of primary Sanskrit texts. His methodology bridges religious studies, legal history, and political theory to illuminate the dynamic relationship between religious orthodoxy and statecraft in premodern South Asia. His publications from 2012-2019 reveal consistent thematic focus on the evolution of Indian jurisprudence and political philosophy, particularly examining the interplay between dharma (sacred law) and secular statecraft. Key contributions include analyzing the Arthaśāstra 's influence on Hindu legal texts and tracing the conceptual shift from state law to religious duty in ancient Indian thought. Research recognition includes: Fulbright Fellowship European Research Council (SAW-ERC) grant McClish has secured significant external funding that enabled collaborative translation projects and textual analysis of classical Indian political literature. His Fulbright and ERC-supported research has advanced understanding of sovereignty concepts in ancient South Asia while establishing critical frameworks for studying the interdependence of religious and political authority in premodern Indian contexts.

• Hinduism
• Classical Indian Law
• Political Thought in Ancient India
• +4 more