Religions of South Asia

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Intersections of Tradition and Modernity

Introduction

Welcome to the Religions of South Asia information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Religions of South Asia, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1751-2689
PublisherEQUINOX PUBLISHING LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2013 to 2024
AbbreviationRELIG SOUTH ASIA / Relig. South Asia
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address415, THE WORKSTATION, 15 PATERNOSTER ROW, SHEFFIELD S1 2BX, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Religions of South Asia' serves as a scholarly platform dedicated to exploring the intricate tapestry of religious traditions in South Asia, emphasizing historical, cultural, and contemporary perspectives.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approach to South Asian Religions:
    The journal adopts an interdisciplinary methodology, integrating insights from history, anthropology, sociology, and religious studies to provide a nuanced understanding of South Asian religions.
  2. Focus on Historical and Contemporary Contexts:
    It examines both historical developments and contemporary practices of religions in South Asia, highlighting how traditions evolve and adapt over time.
  3. Diverse Religious Traditions:
    The journal covers a broad spectrum of religious traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam, among others, showcasing the richness and diversity of South Asian spirituality.
  4. Cultural and Societal Interactions:
    There is a consistent focus on how religious practices intersect with cultural identities, societal norms, and political contexts, reflecting on their implications in modern South Asian society.
  5. Exploration of Yoga and its Global Influence:
    The journal uniquely contributes by examining the global influence of South Asian practices such as yoga, exploring its cultural assimilation and transformation in different contexts.
Recent publications in the journal indicate a shift towards innovative themes and contemporary issues, reflecting evolving interests in the study of South Asian religions.
  1. Yoga and Modernity:
    There has been a significant increase in articles exploring the intersection of yoga with modernity, including its role in wellness culture, the gig economy, and global health trends.
  2. Gender and Religious Practices:
    Emerging themes related to gender, particularly the role of women in religious practices and leadership, highlight a growing interest in feminist perspectives within South Asian religions.
  3. Ethics and Religious Practices:
    Recent publications emphasize ethical considerations in religious practices, such as end-of-life options and moral dilemmas faced by practitioners, reflecting a contemporary relevance.
  4. Transnational Religious Movements:
    There is a rising trend in exploring transnational movements and their impact on local religious practices, showcasing the globalization of South Asian religions.
  5. Interdisciplinary Dialogues:
    The journal is increasingly featuring interdisciplinary dialogues, combining insights from various fields such as sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies to enrich the understanding of religious phenomena.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently focused on a range of themes, certain areas have seen a noticeable decline in prominence over recent years.
  1. Traditional Textual Studies:
    There has been a waning interest in purely textual studies of ancient scriptures, with more emphasis shifting towards contemporary applications and interpretations of these texts.
  2. Eurocentric Perspectives on South Asian Religions:
    The journal has moved away from Eurocentric analyses of South Asian religions, indicating a decline in discussions framed primarily through Western theoretical lenses.
  3. Static Representations of Religion:
    There is a noticeable decline in research that presents static or unchanging representations of religious practices, as the focus has shifted to dynamic and evolving understandings.
  4. Local vs. Global Dynamics:
    The emphasis on local religious practices in isolation has diminished, with more articles exploring the interconnectedness of local traditions with global movements and trends.
  5. Reduction in Historical Narratives:
    The journal has seen fewer articles solely dedicated to historical narratives of religious events or figures, as contemporary relevance has taken precedence.

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