Indian Religions explores the texts, philosophies, and practices that have shaped South Asia’s social, spiritual, and intellectual heritage for millennia. Each week, Dr. Raj Balkaran hosts conversations with authors of new scholarship in the field.

Although his own academic specialization lies in Sanskrit narrative literature, Dr. Balkaran adopts a lay-friendly register to serve both scholarly and general audiences. With warmth, curiosity, and clarity, he engages first-time authors and senior scholars alike across disciplines such as religious studies, history, philology, anthropology, and philosophy. His strategically broad questions bring out the contours of each book—its genesis, method, findings, structure, audience, and big ideas.

With over 400 interviews published, Indian Religions is a flagship channel on the New Books Network (NBN), a consortium of 200+ subject-specific podcasts that has released more than 25,000 episodes and receives over 3 million downloads monthly. All NBN hosts are subject experts who volunteer their time in service of public education. Professionally produced and released every Thursday, episodes typically run 45–60 minutes.

Originally launched as New Books in Hindu Studies (2018–2021), the podcast was rebranded to reflect its expanded scope. Episodes are routinely cross-posted to other relevant NBN channels such as South Asian Studies, History, Philosophy, Literature, and Anthropology. Beyond books, Indian Religions also covers new learning tools, research platforms, and key conferences in the field.

Indian Religions bridges academic study and public engagement, fostering dialogue across subfields and communities. Whether you are a student, scholar, practitioner, or simply curious, this podcast offers timely and thoughtful conversations that connect cutting-edge research with culture, practice, and public life—illuminating one of the world’s most profound and enduring traditions.