Usha Rahn

Usha Rahn (she/her) is a PhD student studying South Asian art with specific interest in Medieval-era temple sites and the roles they play in producing conceptions of sacred landscapes. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, her research has also explored Hindu temple livestreaming and the implications of internet-facilitated darshan, the ritual practice of auspicious gazing. Much of her work so far has focused on the Ambabai/Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, however she is also interested in researching the pilgrimage networks within which the temple resides.

She received her B.A. from University of Georgia and her M.A. from University of Illinois, Chicago. Additionally, she is a member of the American Council for Southern Asian Art.