Indian Ritual and Belief: The Keys of Power

This reprint of the 1937 work is an interpretative study of Indian customs that attempts to show how the concept of a supernatural cosmic power dominates popular practice. The author believes that this cosmic power is Sakti to the Hindus and Kudrat to the Muslims. He has written separate chapters on the power of man, woman, evil-eye, ground, fire, metals, salt, stones, time, colours, numbers, sweet things, trees, grain, bread and animals. A useful glossary, numerous diagrams and an exhaustive index further enhance the value of this work for both the scholar and the general reader.