7th & 8th August, 2025
Introduction and Rationale
India is home to a rich mosaic of religious traditions, including some of the world’s oldest religions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, and a significant and historical presence of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, and the Bahá'í faith. Historically, it has welcomed diverse faith communities, some of which came to its shores seeking refuge. Despite this deep and diverse religious heritage, there is a conspicuous absence of a robust academic framework for studying religion in India. This gap contrasts countries like the United States, where institutions such as the American Academy of Religion (AAR) have encouraged a vibrant scholarly community dedicated to studying religion as a sociocultural, historical, and political phenomenon.
Given India’s birthplace of multiple religious traditions and its current role as a home to diverse faiths, there is an urgent need to develop a similar tradition of religious scholarship in India. A rigorous academic study of religion can promote cross-cultural dialogue, a deeper understanding of faiths beyond theological confines, and critical engagement with religion in public life.
The proposed symposium aims to initiate a sustained conversation about the academic study of religion in India. It will draw on global perspectives while addressing contemporary concerns, including the distinction between theology and religious reflection, and emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach.
Objectives
- To introduce and promote the academic study of religion as a distinct scholarly discipline in India - This will be operationalised by broadening the scope of religious studies to include a range of traditions beyond Hinduism, with an emphasis on Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and other minority religions in India.
- To engage with past and contemporary concerns - This will be achieved by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between scholars working on the anthropological, psychological, philological, and historical dimensions of religion.
Themes and Structure
The symposium will be organized into thematic panels to encourage diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary dialogue. They are discussed below:
Panel 1: Anthropological Approaches to Religion
Exploring how religious practices and beliefs are shaped by, and in turn, shape, social and cultural contexts. Topics may include rituals, identity, and community formation.
Panel 2: Psychological Perspectives on Religion
Examining the intersection of religion with psychological well-being, mental health, and cognitive processes. This panel will focus on religious experience, trauma, and the impact of faith on personal development.
Panel 3: Philological and Textual Studies
This panel will focus on the textual traditions of various religions and address the role of sacred texts, hermeneutics, and the historical transmission of religious knowledge.
Panel 4: Historical Studies of Religion
This panel will provide historical analyses of religious movements, institutions, and figures, emphasizing the interactions between different religious traditions and the state throughout Indian history.
Participants
The symposium will feature scholars from around the world specializing in religious studies. They will bring diverse methodological approaches, including anthropology, history, psychology, and philology.
To participate, please submit a 250-word abstract to
Target Audience
The symposium will interest academicians, researchers, and graduate students in various disciplines, including religious studies, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, psychology, philology, and history. It will also engage policymakers, journalists, and members of the public interested in religion’s role in society, culture, and politics. Efforts will be made to encourage participation from scholars of minority and marginalized religious traditions.
Outcome
To produce a scholarly volume based on the papers presented at the symposium to be published by a reputed academic publisher.