Aruna Kharod

Aruna Kharod is an ethnomusicologist who researches transnational histories and artisanship cultures of Indian performing arts. Trained in Hindustani music (sitar) and Bharatanatyam dance, she also directs Bowdoin’s South Asian Performing Arts Ensemble.

Dr. Kharod’s current book project examines how curatorial, political, and artisanal networks and exchanges shaped sitar making and music from the 1700s onwards. This work synthesizes multilingual ethnographic and archival research from across India, Europe, and the US.   

As a public humanities scholar, Dr. Kharod draws from experience as an arts educator, artist-in-residence, and consultant in museums and non-profits to lead and advocate for equity-oriented arts programming and grantmaking. 

Her scholarly and artistic work has been supported by institutions including the Smithsonian Institution, Fulbright Foundation, Presser Foundation, Texas Folklife, and Fondazione Giorgio Cini.   

Dr. Kharod's research is published and forthcoming in journals including the International Journal of Traditional Arts (2022) and Journal of Musicological Research (2026).