PhD Position SNF-Project "Caste, Religion and Social Mobility in India"

The Department of Indian Studies at IAOS focuses on the study of social, cultural, and politico-economic developments in the Indian subcontinent from ancient times to present. Our ethnographically oriented research sheds light on contemporary India and South Asia, exploring social inequalities as they intersect with poverty, migration, violence, and populism. Specialized interests include caste, kinship, gender, political and civil society, bureaucracy, religion, environmental concerns, labor, and state welfare provisions.

PhD Position SNF-Project "Caste, Religion and Social Mobility in India"

We are seeking a doctoral candidate to work under the supervision of Professor Nicolas Martin and Dr. Mukesh Kumar on the SNSF-funded project "Caste, Religion, and Social Mobility in India". The project aims to investigate how religious institutions like Dera Sachkhand Ballan may contribute to social mobility within lower caste Ravidassia communities. The candidate will research the historical context, doctrines, and philanthropic efforts of these institutions to assess their role in enabling either individual or community level social mobility. Additionally, the candidate will research the impact of the Ravidassia diaspora's educational and non-educational philanthropic works around Ravidas deras (temples).
Scholars working in the fields of Anthropology/Sociology, History, South Asian Religions, Political Science, and other closely related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

• Develop an independent research project on the Ravidassia community.
• Conduct extensive fieldwork in South Asia (10-12 months) and Vienna and London (2-3 months).
• Produce a PhD dissertation.
• Assist with the organization of workshops, conferences, and administrative tasks as needed.
• Actively participate in research colloquiums and departmental activities at IAOS.

• Master's degree in Indian/South Asian Studies or related discipline with a South Asian regional focus.
• Knowledge in qualitative/ethnographic research methods, quantitative methods considered a plus.
• Interdisciplinary research highly valued.
• Proficient in conducting archival research and field-work.
• Adequate language skills in a South Asian language, preferably in Hindi and Punjabi or willing to learn Punjabi, proficiency in German is an asset.
• Ability to engage critically with social theory, comparative thinking, independent research, and strong commitment to the field.
• Ability to grasp major theoretical trends on social mobility in India, migration, and guru-religiosity.

• The position is for up to four years, based on an initial one-year contract followed by a three-year contract.
• Employment conditions for SNSF doctoral positions at the University of Zurich.
• Training in anthropological and historical research methods and theories.
• Access to the vast academic infrastructure of IAOS, a leading center for Asian studies in Switzerland.
• Interaction with a diverse research community focused on both modern and classical India/South Asia, and other disciplines within IAOS.
• Multiple opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement at the University of Zurich and participation in lectures by distinguished speakers.
• Zurich's international city life with its vibrant culture and outdoor activities.

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