New Books in Indian Religions

Marshall Poe

Hinduism

Religious Studies

Critics Not Caretakers: Redescribing the Public Study Of Religion

Hindu Nationalism

University Of Alabama

Buddhism

Christianity

Tina Turner

Shakti

Philosophy Of Religion

Burton Mack

Bharatanatyam

Bhagavad Gita

Vaiṣṇava Concepts Of God

Goddess Worship

Bengal

1948 Police Action

Cultural Identity

Devadasis

Panentheism

Interviews with Scholars of Indian Religions with their New Books Support our show by becoming a premium member! newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/indian-religions

45 ratings

Publishes	Twice weekly	Episodes	541	Founded	10 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Religion & SpiritualityHinduism

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Latest Episodes

Christopher Key Chapple, "The SāṃKhya System: Accounting for the Real" (SUNY Press, 2024)

The SāṃKhya System: Accounting for the Real (SUNY Press, 2024) brings new life to an ancient Hindu system of thought. Sāṃkhya spans the fields of philosophy, physics, metaphysics, psychology, and ethics. Although notably not theological, its key prem... more

10 Apr 2025 • 56 min

Lavanya Vemsani, "Reframing India in World History" (Lexington Books, 2024)

Reframing India in World History breaks the stereotypical portrayal of India based on misconstrued historical theories. Prevalent constructions of Indian history are tinged with colonial historical frameworks and presentation. It is important to unde... more

3 Apr 2025 • 39 min

Kiyokazu Okita, "The Building of Vṛndāvana: Architecture, Theology, and Practice in an Early Modern Pilgrimage Town" (Brill, 2023)

The small town of Vṛndāvana is today one of the most vibrant places of pilgrimage in northern India. Throngs of pilgrims travel there each year to honour the sacred land of Kṛṣṇa’s youth and to visit many of its temples. The Building of Vṛndāvana: Ar... more

27 Mar 2025 • 42 min

Jon Chapple, "Sri Krishna Prem: A Wing and a Prayer" (Blazing Sapphire Press, 2024)

Sri Krishna Prem: A Wing and a Prayer is an in-depth, spiritual biography of a British fighter pilot (WW I), Ronald Nixon (1898-1965). Raised in an intellectually vibrant family, educated at Cambridge, he had a religious experience during one of his ... more

20 Mar 2025 • 43 min

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Recent Guests

Dr. Lavanya Vemsani

Scholar and author of Reframing India in World History

Roman and Littlefield

Episode: Lavanya Vemsani, "Reframing India in World History" (Lexington Books, 2024)

Manu Pillai

Historian and author, known for his exploration of Hindu identity and nationalism

Penguin India

Episode: Manu Pillai, "Gods, Guns and Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity" (Allen Lane, 2025)

Peter Beinart

A scholar and journalist known for his work on Jewish identity and Israeli politics.

Episode: Violent Majorities 2.3: Long-Distance Ethnonationalism Roundup (LA, AS)

Subir Sinha

An academic who discusses the politics of South Asian communities in diaspora.

Episode: Violent Majorities 2.3: Long-Distance Ethnonationalism Roundup (LA, AS)

Dr. Anna Seastrand

Scholar and author of Body, History, Myth

Princeton University Press

Episode: Anna Lise Seastrand, "Body, History, Myth: Early Modern Murals in South India" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Dr. Claire Robison

Assistant Professor of Religion and Asian Studies

Bowdoin College

Episode: Claire C. Robison, "Bringing Krishna Back to India" (Oxford UP, 2024)

Dr. Roger Jackson

Professor Emeritus of Asian Studies and Religion at Carleton College

Carleton College

Episode: Roger R. Jackson, "Saraha: Poet of Blissful Awareness" (Shambhala, 2024)

Ilanit Loewy Shacham

Associate Professor at the Department of East Asian Studies at Tel Aviv University.

Tel Aviv University

Episode: Ilanit Loewy Shacham, "Empire Inside Out: Religion, Conquest, and Community in Kṛṣṇadevarāya's Āmuktamālyada" (Oxford UP, 2024)

Dr. Arvind Sharma

Berkeley Professor and Comparative Religion at McGill University

McGill University

Episode: Arvind Sharma, "From Fire To Light: Rereading the Manusmriti" (Harper Collins, 2024)

Host

Dr. Raj Walker

Host focusing on the exploration of Indian religions and their scholarly representations.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 45 ratings

My first review
I was compelled to express my appreciation for this podcast. Ran Balkaran has such a soothing smart voice and open curiosity that each interview is a deep conversation, real dialogue, and fun exploration.
Apple Podcasts
5
LatinaYogi
United States4 years ago
Jennifer B. Saunders Is Ear Grating
I only listened to one episode before I unsubscribed. Jennifer B. Saunders has the most broken speech I’ve ever heard for someone qualified and educated. She says um like every other word, come on. Speak better, your voice is so slow, and the “um”s need to stop.
Apple Podcasts
3
Kata R
United States5 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the scholarly approach and the depth of conversations that bring new insights into Indian religious thought.

The host's engaging style and knowledgeable narrative are frequently praised, making complex subjects accessible to a wider audience.

Some reviewers have noted that particular episodes may involve dense academic discourse, which could appeal less to casual listeners.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#42	United States/Religion & Spirituality/Hinduism
Apple Podcasts	#33	United Kingdom/Religion & Spirituality/Hinduism
Apple Podcasts	#52	Canada/Religion & Spirituality/Hinduism
Apple Podcasts	#11	France/Religion & Spirituality/Hinduism
Apple Podcasts	#19	Italy/Religion & Spirituality/Hinduism
Apple Podcasts	#26	Germany/Religion & Spirituality/Hinduism

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kiyokazu Okita, "The Building of Vṛndāvana: Architecture, Theology, and Practice in an Early Modern Pilgrimage Town" (Brill, 2023)

Q: What stood out to you during the editing process?

Dr. Okita notes many findings, particularly the discovery of early devotional writings that showed a lack of sectarian rivalry that later developed, highlighting the inclusive nature of early Krishna devotion.

Kiyokazu Okita, "The Building of Vṛndāvana: Architecture, Theology, and Practice in an Early Modern Pilgrimage Town" (Brill, 2023)

Q: How did this project come about?

Dr. Okita discusses the origin of the project as part of a research initiative called the Goswami Era, which involved organizing a conference in Oxford in 2017, leading to the book's publication in 2024.

Lavanya Vemsani, "Reframing India in World History" (Lexington Books, 2024)

Q: Who do you think would most benefit from this book?

Everyone who has been exposed to colonial narratives of Indian history should read it, particularly students embarking on studies of India, to understand its true historical context.

Lavanya Vemsani, "Reframing India in World History" (Lexington Books, 2024)

Q: Do you anticipate any pushback regarding the arguments in your book?

Yes, there has been some pushback, with criticisms of nationalism in historical narratives, but I encourage critics to engage with the data and examine the findings presented.

Lavanya Vemsani, "Reframing India in World History" (Lexington Books, 2024)

Q: Can you describe the strategies your book uses to reframe Indian history?

The book aims to provide an objective history based on Indian data and perspectives, moving away from colonial interpretations that often misrepresent India's social, political, and cultural contexts.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About New Books in Indian Religions

What is New Books in Indian Religions about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series features engaging discussions with scholars who delve into various aspects of Indian religions through their recently published works. The conversations offer deep insights into topics such as Hindu nationalism, spirituality, rituals, and the historical contexts of religious practices in India. Episodes often highlight the intersection of contemporary issues and traditional beliefs, exploring how these themes are relevant to modern audiences. Unique to this series is its focus on scholarly discourse, making it a valuable resource for both academic and lay audiences interested in deeper understandings of Indian religious thought.

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Which podcasts are similar to New Books in Indian Religions?

These podcasts share a similar audience with New Books in Indian Religions:

1. The Wisdom Podcast
2. The LRB Podcast
3. The Ancients
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. J. Brown Yoga Talks

How many episodes of New Books in Indian Religions are there?

New Books in Indian Religions launched 10 years ago and published 541 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on New Books in Indian Religions?

Recent guests on New Books in Indian Religions include:

1. Dr. Lavanya Vemsani
2. Manu Pillai
3. Peter Beinart
4. Subir Sinha
5. Dr. Anna Seastrand
6. Dr. Claire Robison
7. Dr. Roger Jackson
8. Ilanit Loewy Shacham

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