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10 Questions for Anuj Misra

Anuj Misra | Foto: Mona Eendra 2023

Anuj Misra is a historian and philosopher of mathematics specialising in pre-modern Islamicate and Sanskrit astronomy. He currently leads the Max Planck Research Group on Astral Sciences in Trans-Regional Asia, and is also a Professor at Freie Universität Berlin. His research investigates the dynamic interplay of transmission, translocation, and transcreation in Eurasian astronomical knowledge, challenging epistemic hegemonies by highlighting the richness of intellectual diversities.

1. We would also like to welcome you to Berlin! Congratulations on your appointment as Professor of the History of Science at Freie Universität Berlin. What expectations do you have when you take up your new position and what ideas would you like to put into practice as soon as possible?

Thank you for the warm welcome to Berlin. I’m eager to begin guiding and inspiring future scholars in the History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) at Freie Universität Berlin. A primary objective is to establish a dynamic, collaborative Master’s program in HPS, working closely with Berlin’s universities and the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science. This program will uniquely integrate academic rigour with hands-on experience through internships at museums, journals, and newspapers. By fostering these public-facing opportunities, we will empower students to communicate the complexities of science’s role in society, bridging the critical gap between research and public understanding.

2. If you had to describe yourself as a research personality in three words, what would they be?

As a research personality, I would describe myself as enthusiastic, meticulous, and insightful.

3. Your main research interest is astronomy in various cultural contexts. How did this focus come about?

My research focus on astronomy in various cultural contexts stems from a long-standing fascination with the interplay between astronomy and geometry. Initially, I assumed their connection was historically straightforward. However, I discovered a fascinating complexity: diverse cultures have conceptualized celestial phenomena in markedly different ways. Some have emphasized numerically repeating cycles, while others have prioritized the geometrical aspects of celestial motion. This intriguing contrast between computational and kinematic approaches to understanding the heavens has been the driving force behind my research.

4. How have historical studies influenced your view of modern science and maths?

Historical studies profoundly changed my view of science and maths. Society often sees them as detached, objective truths, but history teaches us to humanize their contexts. By analysing the conditions under which discoveries were made, we better understand the complex factors that support scientific advancement, revealing it as a human endeavour within a historical and social context.

5. You have also been leading the Max Planck Research Group “Astral Sciences in Trans-Regional Asia” (ASTRA) for a few months now. What exactly do you want to research?

ASTRA investigates the dynamic history of astral knowledge across Asia, moving beyond traditional boundaries by examining its creative transformations and cross-cultural movements. We explore a broad range of astral practices, from astronomy and mathematics to divination and ritual, recognizing their deep connections to religion, culture, and art. Using a ‘trans-regional’ approach, we trace the circulation of this knowledge through trade, scholarly networks, and oral traditions, highlighting the fluidity of historical borders.

6. The spectrum of astral practices is broad. What role did divination, rituals or religious beliefs play in the interpretation of celestial phenomena in the past?

As I mentioned above, divination, rituals, and religious beliefs were central to the historical interpretations of astral practices. For example, our group’s research on Indic board games shows how play itself was performative astronomy, highlighting the deep integration between religious iconography, celestial observation, and cultural practices.

7. Which celestial movement caused the most interesting interpretations in the past?

While pinpointing a single most impactful celestial movement is challenging, eclipses and comet observations stand out. Their periodic yet seemingly other-worldly nature undeniably inspired rich mathematical and cultural narratives throughout history.

8. You are interested in the technical, socio-historical and cross-cultural aspects of astronomy. What is one of the most interesting insights you have gained through this approach?

The most significant insight I’ve gained is the inherent interconnectedness of the technical, socio-historical, and cross-cultural aspects of astral sciences. Combining humanistic and technical approaches provides a comprehensive view of knowledge creation. For example, studying the exchanges between Islamicate and Sanskritic astronomical traditions at Mughal courts reveals how the power struggles involving language, culture, and identity profoundly shaped technical discourse. This crucial, yet often neglected, fact illuminates the complexities of scientific exchange in history.

9. You have already worked in New Zealand, Paris and Copenhagen. How have these different research environments shaped your work and perspectives?

Working in diverse research environments has certainly broadened my intellectual horizons and fostered a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of scientific practice. Interacting with colleagues in these locations revealed the intricate politics of modern science, particularly the crucial role of funding schemes. This experience underscored that understanding the practical realities of research funding is as vital to contemporary historical research as perhaps analysing primary sources.

10. If you hadn’t become a historian of science and maths, you would be…?

If I hadn’t pursued the history of science and mathematics, I would likely have become a string theorist — a path I nearly took — or dedicated myself to human rights advocacy, another field I was seriously considering.


OpenEdition schlägt Ihnen vor, diesen Beitrag wie folgt zu zitieren:
teamredaktion (13. März 2025). 10 Questions for Anuj Misra. Berliner Antike*-Blog. Abgerufen am 18. Juli 2025 von https://doi.org/10.58079/13gng


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