Research Fellowships in the History of Islam in South Asia

Research Fellowships in the History of Islam in South Asia

Applications are invited for up to two Research Fellowships associated with the Centre’s research project “An Atlas of Social and Intellectual History of Muslims in South Asia”.

The Atlas Project:

The Atlas covers the history and geographical spread of social and intellectual movements in the Islamic world. It presents a visual representation of how ideas and individuals moved within and between different Muslim societies, how they responded to changes in economic and political conditions, and the scholarly and religious movements they inspired. The South Asia volume studies the arrival of Islam in the region through trade and military incursions and the eventual establishment of polities such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. It shows patterns of Muslim settlements, establishment of teaching centres, various educational and philosophical trends, networks of scholars and Sufi orders, and the different routes for disseminating scholarship. This entails a detailed presentation, for the whole region, of intellectual genealogies mapped for different Sufi orders and scholars. The maps and charts illustrate the ruptures, as well as continuous evolution, in the spread of Muslim thought in this region for nearly eight centuries of history. 162 maps and 142 charts show the interconnected networks of transmission of ideas, texts and individuals. The maps depict these interconnections across space, while the charts show the intellectual genealogies and their cross-connections over time. They are accompanied by 109 tables providing further information. The accompanying text of about 200,000 words would provide the key conclusions that can be drawn from the maps and charts.

Section Criteria:

Candidates most meet the following criteria:

• Qualifications and demonstrable ability to carry out research, and to contribute to the design and delivery of the Centre’s Atlas Project on the history of Islam in South Asia from the 13th to the 19th century;
• Research experience in any aspect of the social and intellectual history of South Asian Islam;
• Familiarity with the research languages, particularly Persian and Urdu.

Responsibilities of the Research Fellows:

• The primary responsibility of the Research Fellows will be to assist with the finalization of the text, maps, and charts for the Atlas.
• The Fellows will be full members of the Centre’s Common Room and will participate in the academic and social life of the Centre.

Background to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

About the Centre

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is incorporated by Royal Charter and is registered as a charity (number 293072). The Patron of the Centre is HM the King. The Centre was founded in 1985 with the aim of encouraging a better understanding of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies through learning and scholarship. To this end, the Centre supports students and post-doctoral researchers, hosts lectures and seminars, and maintains a well-equipped library. The Centre’s website, which provides full details of the Centre’s work, is at www.oxcis.ac.uk.

How to apply:

Your application should contain:

• A letter of application which provides evidence as to how your skills and past experience meet the selection criteria;
• A detailed curriculum vitae;
• Names of two referees, who you should ask to write directly to the HR Advisor at the Centre before the closing date of the applications.

Click on the 'Apply' button above to apply by Monday, 24 June 2024.

Applicants will require proof of their right to work in the UK.

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