معرفی
Abhishek Amar is an Associate Professor of Asian Studies at Hamilton College, specializing in the archaeological history of South Asian religions. He serves as Director of the digital research project Sacred Centers in India, focusing on Hindu and Buddhist cities Gaya and Bodhgaya. Currently affiliated with Hamilton College's Asian Studies Program and Digital Humanities Initiative Advisory Committee, he previously worked as a Research Fellow at Ruhr University's Käte Hamburger Kolleg.
Educational Background:
- Ph.D., University of London
- M.Phil., Jawaharlal Nehru University
- M.A., Jawaharlal Nehru University
- B.A. (Honors), Delhi University
His research examines the intersection of material culture, religious texts, and sacred geography in South Asia, particularly focusing on Buddhist expansion and transformation at sites like Bodhgaya. His publications address methodological approaches for studying pre-modern religions and analyze inter-religious dynamics between Hindu and Buddhist communities in early India.
Recent scholarly contributions include analyses of Buddhist trade networks (Trading Religions, 2013), sacred site contestation (2012), and ritual material studies (2011). The Sacred Centers in India digital humanities project represents a significant ongoing effort in his research trajectory.
Scientific Awards:
- Class of 1966 Career Development Award (Hamilton College, 2015)
- John R. Hatch Class of 1925 Excellence in Teaching Award (Hamilton College, 2013)
Amar holds professional affiliations with the American Academy of Religion, Association for Asian Studies, and European Association of South Asian Archaeology. He also serves as peer-reviewer for Modern Asian Studies Journal (Cambridge University Press) and consultant for Bihar State Government archaeological projects.
