South Asia
South Asian Religions at CERES
The study of South Asia at CERES spans a wide range of topics, time periods, and traditions. From early Buddhism in Gandhara to
contemporary Jain communities in the diaspora, our research and study programmes engage with the diverse and dynamic religious landscape of the region. At the core of CERES’ expertise lie two central themes: the relationship between religion and materiality, and the encounters between religious traditions. Within this framework, the histories of Buddhism in Gandhara and of Jainism have emerged as particularly prominent fields of inquiry.
CERES hosts several projects dedicated to these fields, gathering a unique expertise, and positioning the institute as a leading centre for the study of material culture in both Gandharan Buddhism and Jainism, in historical as well as contemporary contexts. Along its research agenda and its course offers, the South Asian section at CERES also actively fosters public engagement through exhibitions, lectures, and collaborative projects that make research on South Asian religions accessible beyond university setting.
On this website, students, scholars and members of the wider public can find out more about how we approach the study of South Asia at CERES conceived as a dynamic field attentive to lived religious practices and their historical foundations.
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