Dr. Raj Balkaran

Join Dr. Raj Balkaran—scholar of Sanskrit narrative texts, public intellectual, and online educator—for in-depth conversations with authors of groundbreaking books in the academic study of Indian religions. With warmth, curiosity, and clarity, Dr. Raj engages both first-time authors and senior scholars across a wide range of disciplines—including religious studies, history, philology, anthropology, art history, philosophy, and more.

Indian Religions explores the texts, philosophies, and practices that have shaped the South Asian subcontinent’s spiritual and intellectual heritage for millennia. While Dr. Raj’s academic specialization lies in Sanskrit narrative literature, he adopts a lay-friendly persona during interviews to serve both scholarly and general audiences alike.

With over 400 interviews published, Indian Religions is a flagship channel on the New Books Network—a consortium of 200+ subject-specific podcasts that has released more than 25,000 episodes and receives over 3 million downloads monthly. All hosts are field experts who volunteer their time in the service of public education.

Whether you’re a student, scholar, practitioner, or simply curious, this podcast offers rich, accessible conversations that bridge academic rigor and cultural insight. Tune in to stay informed on the latest research in one of the world’s most profound and enduring religious traditions.