Professor David N. Gellner

About the Author

Professor David N. Gellner is a distinguished anthropologist and Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Oxford, where he has dedicated his career to exploring the intersections of religion, society, and culture in South Asia. With a focus on Buddhism, Hinduism, and the dynamics of modernity, Gellner's research draws from extensive fieldwork in Nepal and beyond, illuminating how traditional practices adapt to contemporary global influences. His seminal work, Figures of Buddhist Modernity in Asia, co-edited with insightful contributions from leading scholars, examines the evolving role of Buddhism in modern Asian societies, blending ethnographic depth with theoretical rigor. A prolific author and editor, Gellner has influenced generations of scholars through his nuanced analyses of ritual, politics, and identity, making complex anthropological concepts accessible and engaging.