Graduate students choosing Religions of South Asia master the theoretical, historical, ethnographic and linguistic skills they need to carry out original research and to teach at both graduate and undergraduate levels. You will select a particular focus for your studies, and will also develop a broad background in both South Asian religious history and the field of Religious Studies as a whole. Current faculty strengths are in the areas of Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.
Religions of South Asia
Special admissions requirements
To apply, you should have, or be finishing, an M.A. in a relevant field. Prior work with ancient or modern South Asian languages is a plus, although IU offers at least two years each of Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Sanskrit, Tibetan and Bengali.
Sample exam structure
Three exams plus the minor exam, if required.
- History and methods of the study of religion (core bibliography plus additions determined through consultation with faculty)
- Religious cultures of South Asia
- Area of concentration, determined by dissertation topic (you will develop the reading list in consultation with faculty)
Meet the faculty
These are the core faculty who support this area of study:
Rebecca Manring, Department of Religious Studies
Richard Nance, Department of Religious Studies
Kevin Jaques, Department of Religious Studies
Other faculty who support this area of study:
Alexus McLeod, Department of Religious Studies
The College of Arts