Witchcraft Accusations from Central India: The Fragmented Urn

This book explores the institutions surrounding witchcraft in Chhattisgarh, India, through theoretical and empirical research on witchcraft, violence, and modernity. It examines the meanings associated with witches and witchcraft, their connections with social relations, gender, notions of agency, law, media, and the state. The volume uses the metaphor of the shattered urn to tell the story of the accusations, punishment, rescue, and aftermath of the trial of women accused of being witches. It situates the ṭ onhī or witch as a key elaborating symbol that orders behavior to determine who the socially included and excluded are in communities. The author delves into the stories and practices related to witchcraft, its relations with modernity, and the relationship between violence and ideological norms in society through personal interviews and other ethnographic methods.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate institutions surrounding witchcraft in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh through a theoretical and empirical exploration of witchcraft, violence, and modernity in contemporary times. The author skillfully weaves together fragments of stories gathered through ethnographic methods, examining the profound meanings associated with witches and witchcraft and their intricate connections with social relations, gender, notions of agency, law, media, and the state.

The volume employs the metaphor of a shattered urn to narrate the story of the accusations, punishment, rescue, and the aftermath of the trial of women accused of being witches. It situates the ṭ onhī or witch as a central symbol that shapes behavior, determining who is socially included and excluded within communities. Through personal interviews and various ethnographic techniques conducted over an extended period, the author delves deep into the narratives and practices related to witchcraft, exploring its interplay with modernity, and the relationship between violence and ideological norms within society.

What makes this book particularly insightful and detailed is its ability to shed light on the complex dynamics that shape witchcraft practices in Chhattisgarh. The author offers a rich tapestry of personal accounts, cultural insights, and historical perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural, and political factors that contribute to the persistence of witchcraft beliefs and practices.

This book will appeal to a wide range of academics and researchers, including those specializing in anthropology, development studies, sociology, history, violence, gender studies, tribal studies, and psychology. Its comprehensive nature and interdisciplinary approach make it an invaluable resource for scholars seeking to understand the complexities of witchcraft in contemporary societies. Moreover, the book's insights will be of interest to readers with an interest in both historic and contemporary witchcraft practices, as well as policy makers who are seeking to address the challenges associated with these practices.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of anthropology, offering a deep and nuanced understanding of witchcraft, violence, and modernity in Chhattisgarh. Through its rich empirical evidence and theoretical framework, it provides valuable insights into the complex social, cultural, and political factors that shape witchcraft practices and their impact on individuals and communities. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of religion, power, and social change in contemporary India.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367628802