Chris Fuller

Professor Chris Fuller is a leading academic in the Department of Anthropology at the London School of Economics (LSE). His research focuses on South Asia, particularly India, with expertise in Hinduism, caste systems, and colonial history. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Kerala (1971–72) and the Madurai temple (1976–2001), examining kinship structures among Nayars and temple rituals of Tamilnadu. His work bridges anthropology, history, and sociology, addressing themes of globalization, urbanization, and caste transformation.

• Notable projects include:
• ESRC-funded research on Tamil Brahman communities (2003–2008), resulting in the book Tamil Brahmans: The Making of a Middle-Class Caste.
• Studies on middle-class professionals in Chennai, linking IT growth to social mobility.

Research Interests: Fuller’s work explores the intersection of religion, politics, and socio-economic change. He has analyzed how traditional elites adapt to modernity, such as Tamil Brahmans transitioning into transnational urban professionals. His publications critique colonial-era anthropological frameworks while illuminating contemporary caste dynamics.

Key Contributions: His 2023 book re-examines H.H. Risley’s role in British India, highlighting colonial anthropology’s impact on governance. Earlier works, like The Camphor Flame (2004), dissect popular Hinduism’s socio-political roles. Current research traces the historiography of Indian anthropology.

Collaborations: Long-term partnership with Haripriya Narasimhan has produced seminal studies on caste, gender, and migration. His interdisciplinary approach integrates archival research, ethnography, and policy analysis.

Labs/Teams: Research activities are centered at LSE’s Anthropology Department, collaborating with global institutions on South Asian studies. Active in CIVICA (European University Alliance), fostering transnational academic networks.