Hermann Kulke, Eminent Indologist & Odisha Historian, Passes Away at 87

Daily Current Affairs / Hermann Kulke, Eminent Indologist & Odisha Historian, Passes Away at 87

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Category : Obituaries Published on: March 13 2026

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German-born historian Prof Hermann Kulke, a globally respected Indologist, passed away at the age of 87.
He devoted decades to researching Odisha's religious, political, and cultural traditions.
His 1975 thesis, 'Jagannatha Cult and Gajapati Kingship,' showed how religion legitimized medieval kingship.
He was a founding member of the Odisha Research Projects supported by the German Research Council.
Taught for 21 years at the South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University; also Professor at Kiel University.
Awarded the Padma Shri in 2010 by the Government of India for his contributions to Indian history.