New Books in Indian Religions James McHugh, "An Unholy Brew: Alcohol in Indian Religion and History" (Oxford UP, 2021)
Mar 3, 2022
In this conversation, James McHugh, a Professor of Religion at USC and author of "An Unholy Brew," delves into the fascinating interplay between alcohol and Indian culture throughout history. He discusses the ritual significance of ancient drinks like Soma, contrasting it with modern views. McHugh explores the diverse attitudes toward drinking in sacred texts and the Mahabharata, emphasizing how these narratives shape contemporary perspectives. Additionally, he shares insights on making academic work more accessible to general audiences, all sprinkled with humor.
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Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Unraveling Alcohol's Role in Indian Culture
01:35 • 20min
Exploring Alcohol Through Texts and Fieldwork
21:25 • 2min
Exploring the Role of Alcohol in the Mahabharata
23:10 • 2min
The Unholy Brew: Drinking in Indian Religions
24:58 • 7min
Making Academic Work Accessible to a Broader Audience
32:15 • 2min
