Witchcraft, Superstition and Rationality: Examining Harmful Practices and Cultural Beliefs in India

This book is a critical exploration of the enduring impact of superstition and witchcraft-related violence in contemporary India. This interdisciplinary volume interrogates the intersection of gender, caste, and power in the persistence of witchcraft accusations, ritual violence, and the weaponization of superstition. Through historical analysis, legal critique, and ethnographic insights, the book sheds light on the systemic marginalization of women and marginalized communities, revealing how superstition is both a tool of oppression and a mechanism of social control. With contributions from leading scholars, it examines the efficacy of anti-superstition laws, the role of grassroots activism, and the urgent need for cultural transformation. Grounded in rigorous research yet accessible in its approach, this book is essential reading for academics, policymakers, and activists committed to dismantling harmful traditions and advancing human rights in India’s evolving socio-legal landscape.