Theosophy and English language education for women in colonial Ceylon. A study on gender issues in the context of religion and nation in a global history perspective.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Michael Bergunder
• Subject Area: Religious Studies and Jewish Studies ; Protestant Theology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 438886457

The Theosophical Society played an important role in the religious history of Ceylon from the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. Scholars have examined its support for Singhalese reform Buddhism, but they have overlooked its influence on the Tamil-saivite Hindu reform movement. Nor has prior research appreciated the fact that the Theosophical Society was crucial in creating networks, by promoting personal contacts between the colonial elites across religious and linguistic boundaries. A central place where the theosophical influence on Ceylonese society can be studied are the English-speaking girls' schools of the religious reform movements, which were led without exception by prominent American and European theosophists. The concentration on women's education also makes it possible to engage with recent discussions in gender studies that are oriented towards global history. In order to adequately contextualize the role of theosophically mediated women's education, a more precise knowledge of the teachings and activities of P. Ramanathan in the context of contemporary Tamil Saivism and Tamil nationalism in Ceylon is indispensable. However, prior research on Ramanathan is non-existent. Therefore, as a second focus of the project, P. Ramanathan's position within South Asias's religious history will be examined more closely.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants