Marianna Ferrara

Marianna Ferrara is an Associate Researcher at Sapienza University of Rome, specializing in the History of Religions with a focus on South Asian traditions. Her work examines ritual practices, canon, and authority, particularly in ancient India.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in History of Religions, Sapienza University of Rome (2012)
• M.A. in Philosophy, University of Palermo (2004)

Marianna's research centers on the political function of ritual in ancient India, the concept of sacrifice as a critical category in religious studies, and the colonial construction of religion. She critically engages with Eliade's phenomenological approach and modern scholarship on Asian religions through Indology. Her work also investigates early modern European travel writing on South Asia and its implications for understanding religious encounters and the role of native informants in missionary activities.

Her scientific awards include:

• Käte Hamburger Kolleg Visiting Research Fellowship (2019)