Frank Köhler

Dr. Frank Köhler is a Lecturer in Sanskrit at the Department of Indology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Tübingen, where he has been teaching since October 2004. He has also held research and teaching positions at the University of Leipzig, University of Münster, University of Göttingen, LMU München, University of Würzburg, University of Cagliari, and University of Cracow.

• Ph.D. in Indology, University of Leipzig (2008)
• Magister in Philosophy, Indology, and German Studies, University of Münster

His research focuses on Vedic Studies, particularly the Ṛgveda, Indian epics such as the Mahābhārata, and classical Indian philosophy. He explores themes such as poetic authorship, ritual symbolism, divine identity, kingship, and the intellectual history of early South Asia. His work combines philological rigor with philosophical and anthropological insights.

The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent engagement with Vedic exegesis, Sanskrit linguistics, and religious thought. His articles frequently examine the interplay between language, ritual, and cosmology in early Indian texts. He has a strong interest in marginal cultural phenomena such as the Vrātyas and in the historical development of Indological scholarship, especially in the 19th century. His editorial projects include studies on Vishnu’s names and the methodological legacy of Paul Thieme.

Dr. Köhler has received research grants from the DFG and the Sächsische Akademie der Wissenschaften. He has led and participated in multiple international research projects on topics including 19th-century Indology, kingship in India, and aggression in Indian culture. While no formal list of students is provided, he has collaborated with students on performances of classical Indian drama, indicating an active mentoring role.

He is involved in academic teams and research groups centered on Vedic studies and Indological methodology. He co-organized the Thieme Symposium in 2017 and contributed to exhibition projects such as Die 1000 Namen Vishnus at the Museum der Universität Tübingen. His current research at the University of Cracow investigates themes of domination and aggression in Indian cultural texts.