Index
Abkāri (liquor) license, used as medicine, [187]
Agricultural ceremonies, [60], [279], [289]–304
Alagarswāmi, [169] Alangium Lamarckii, magic oil, [228]
Albino crow, [69] Alstonia scholaris, sorcery figure, [249]
Amputation of finger, [241]
Ancestor, [51], [56], [68], [290], [291], [302], [303]
Animal sacrifice, [14], [15], [22], [33], [37], [38], [41], [55], [57], [65], [68], [69], [75], [82], [92], [119], [136], [137], [146], [148], [149], [150], [152], [156], [165], [171], [175], [177], [183], [187], [201], [205]–7, [210], [211], [212], [213], [214], [217], [245], [246], [248], [249], [252], [253], [263], [267], [279], [282], [284], [287], [295], [296], [302], [303]
Animals, form assumed by human beings, [226], [228], [260]–2
Ant-hill, [36], [129], [132], [133]–6, [156], [187], [253]
Antelope (black-buck), [82]
Araikāsu Nāchiyar, [170]
Aranai (lizard) [99]
Aravān or Kūttāndar, festival, [152]–3
Areca nut, [20]–1, [31], [49], [68], [283], [286]
—— palm (Areca Catechu), [130], [177]
Arka (Calotropis gigantea), [51]–2, [53], [68], [186], [195]; marriage, [51]
Arrack, [236], [242], [245], [251], [253], [295]
—— vendors, superstition, [32]
Ashes, ceremonial use, [21], [45], [115], [138], [186], [220], [229], [293], [296];
effigies, [44], [307];
from burial ground, [242];
of meriah victim, [204]; omens, [16], [18];
sacred, [103], [182], [212], [270]–1, [294], [306]
Astrologer, [45], [127]; Kaniyan, [273]–7
Āvaram (Cassia auriculata), clothing tied to, [156]
Ayilyam festival, [125]
Ayudha pūja (worship of tools and implements), [174]–5
Bābūl (Acacia arabica), [153], [155]
Badaga, [14], [35], [49], [85], [116], [141], [232]–4, [300]
Bael or bilva (Ægle Marmelos), [33], [184], [277]
Bakuda, [81] Balanites Roxburghii, in lying-in chamber, [53]
Bamboo, [113], [114], [148], [192], [212], [229], [260], [265], [293]
Bangle insect, [107]–8
—— offered to cholera god, [176];
to village goddess, [155];
worn as vow, [161]
Banyan (Ficus bengalensis), [177], [219], [288]
Bathing, ceremonial, [29], [31], [43], [51], [55], [67], [72], [81], [104], [117], [130], [135], [150], [185], [229], [252], [285], [286], [294], [301], [303]
Bats, [83] Bauhinia variegata, [118], [229]
Bauri or Bāwariya, [41]
Bead necklets offered to cholera god, [176]
Beads worn as vow, [138]
Bēdar, [68], [136], [142], [171], [193]
Bejjo sorcerer, [32]
Bēju sorceress, [263]
Bells tied on trees, [154]
Bēpāri, [74]
Betel, [20]–1, [31], [32], [39], [40], [47], [49], [68], [117], [118], [147], [177], [188], [244], [249], [270], [277], [283], [298], [301]
—— insect (vettila poochi), [106]–7
Bhagavati, [128], [250], [278], [292], [296]
Bhairava, the dog-god, [196]
Bilimagga, [118]
Billaikāvus (cat-eaters), [77]
Bird excrement, fouling by, [34], [67], [87]
—— superstitions, [86]–9
Birds, omens, [15], [16], [21], [23], [34], [36], [37], [50], [56], [65]–70, [280]
Birth, symbolical, from cow, [79]–80
Bison, [81]–2
Black buffalo, [45];
cloth, [31], [112];
face painted, [116];
fowl, [284];
goat, [45], [267], [284];
pig, [284];
rope, [111];
sheep, [52], [191];
thread, [220];
wool, [191]
Blood, human, a cure for fever, [239];
offered to idol, [221];
sacrificed victim, [201], [202], [207], [221];
sprinkling with, [145];
sucked by witch, [261], [262]
—— of bullock, [80];
devil-dancer, [212];
fish, [102];
monkey, [73]
—— of sacrificed animals, [22], [33], [37], [38], [65], [68], [69], [119], [175], [183], [187], [189], [212], [245], [246], [252], [255], [263], [282], [284], [295], [302]
Blood-sucker (lizard), [99]–100
Boar, wild, [189]
Boddu-rāyi (navel-stone), [60], [211]
Bones burnt in lying-in chamber, [53];
from burial-ground in sorcery, [242];
omens, [56], [57];
used by toddy-drawers, [76], [82]
Bottling evil spirits, [250]
Boundary ceremony, [60], [175];
dispute, [38];
flesh of victim interred, [201];
goddess, [37]–8, [184];
oath, [36];
sacrifice, [211], [263]
—— stone, birth ceremony, [176]–7;
reverence, [184];
sacrifice, [37]
Bow and arrow in magic, [33], [100], [192], [226], [244], [263]
—— in rain-making ceremony, [308]
Brāhman, [15], [17], [22], [26], [27], [28], [31], [43], [45], [50], [51], [52], [58], [59], [66], [67], [68], [79]–80, [90], [102], [119], [122], [123], [124], [125], [133], [135], [139], [140], [148], [157], [170], [174], [239], [288], [297]
——, Konkani, [172]
——, Nambutiri, [85], [192], [193], [239], [292]
——, Shivalli, [136]
Brāhmani bull, [63]; mock marriage, [165]–6
—— lizard (aranai), [99]
Branding of body, [146]
Brinjal (Solarium melongena), [295]
Broom, [16], [40], [115], [244], [296]
Budubudukala, [280]–2
Buffalo, [45], [76], [81], [202], [263];
sacrifice, [22], [38], [137], [148], [201], [205], [206]–7, [217]
Bug, [105]
Bull, omen, [21]
Burial jars, prehistoric, supposed to contain sacrificed virgins, [216]
——, mock, [211]–3
—— of charm, [181], [186], [187], [229], [246], [252];
of fowl with corpse, [69];
of placenta, [55];
of sorcery figure, [247], [249] Butea frondosa, leaf-cup, [33]
Butter, [79], [116], [185], [213]. See Ghī
Cakes at village festival, [282];
in pregnancy ceremony, [54];
waved against evil eye, [116]–7
Camphor, [50], [115], [117], [177], [184], [229], [244], [245], [249], [260], [278], [284], [285], [287], [293] Canthium parviflorum, thorn, [252] Cassia Fistula, [18], [289]
Castor-oil, [97], [105], [116], [185], [258]
Cat, [17], [57], [77], [260], [261]
Cattle, [44], [60], [62]–5, [79], [139]–40, [210], [211], [291], [296];
sickness, [77], [154], [165], [183], [184], [209]
Caves as shrines, [178]
Charcoal, [22], [119], [176], [185], [244], [286], [307]
Charm cylinder, [113], [185], [187], [188], [189], [192]–5, [219]
Charms used by servants of Europeans, [197]
Chauri (yak-tail fan), [297]
Chedipe sorceress, [261]–2
Chenchu, [194]
Cheruman, [121], [290], [291], [295], [296]
Childbirth, [53], [54], [77], [79], [176]–7, [186], [189], [191], [193], [196]
Chillies, [22], [115], [116], [119], [243], [253]
Cholam (Sorghum), [60], [302], [306]
Cholera, [36], [83], [98], [119], [148], [166], [175], [176], [183], [184], [236], [259], [263], [279]
Chunam, [21], [22], [31], [44], [106], [113], [114], [117], [170], [212], [244], [246], [295]
Clay bangles offered to deity, [176];
effigies, [148], [247], [308]–9;
figures, offerings, [14], [162], [166]–8
Cobra, [20], [25], [86], [91], [93], [95], [98], [99], [123], [133], [134]. I3S Cochlospermum Gossypium (silk-cotton), [36]
Cock-fighting, [299]
Cocoanut, [18], [33], [39], [50], [55], [78], [83], [96], [97], [105], [117], [119], [122], [124], [125], [130], [131], [125], [136], [139], [146], [150], [160], [176], [177], [178], [183], [184], [185], [212], [215], [227], [229], [242], [244], [245], [248], [249], [253], [284], [287], [291], [294], [300], [301]
Coffer-fish (Ostracion), [80]
Coins, medicine, [196];
offerings, [104], [168]–71, [176], [178], [179], [244];
omen, [46];
on magic square, [33];
on navel, [55];
put in sacred fire, [185];
representing deity, [170];
tied to marriage cloth, [49];
to ward off evil eye, [114];
waved round patient, [119];
worn as charm, [192], [195]–6,
as vow, [171]
Coloured water (ārati), waving, [117], [118]
Conch, musical instrument, [294];
on cow’s horns, [111]
Concubines kept by demons, [239]
Constellations as omens, [55]
Coorg, human sacrifice, [213]–4
Coral charm, [193]
Corpse used in sorcery, [236], [247]
Cotton seed, [53], [97], [116], [243]
Cow, [17], [58], [59], [79], [80], [88], [111], [150], [156], [176], [202], [301], [305]
Cow-dung, [36], [53], [59], [79], [120], [208], [209], [228], [271], [283], [288], [289], [292], [293], [296], [303]
Cowry shells in divination and fortune-telling, [276], [277], [283]
Cremation ground, goddess, [236];
sorcery ceremony, [229]
Cromlech, [14]
Cross-roads, [114], [184], [243], [244], [252], [267], [307]
Curds, [79], [115], [124], [244]
Curls as omens, [52]–3
Cutch making, vow, [177] Cynedon Dactylon, [45], [292]
Dacoity and housebreaking, omens, [21]–2, [40], [41]–2, [55], [120]
Dakni, [49]
Dandāsi, [136]
Dasara festival, [29], [82], [174], [280], [282]
Dāsari, [75]–6, [142], [146], [147]–8, [258]
Date-palm, knots in leaves as vow, [158]–9
Datura, love charm, [239]
Days, lucky and unlucky, [17], [20], [21]–2, [24], [29], [30], [35], [44], [45], [46], [65], [67], [69], [104], [105], [133], [134], [186], [218], [240], [242], [284], [286]–7, [299], [300], [301]
Death, omens, [15], [19], [20], [31], [54], [57], [62], [65], [66], [67], [69], [70]
Debts settled by goddess, [172]
Deer, bone and horn, [82]; skin, [280]
Dēva-dāsi (dancing-girl), [46]–7
Devil dance, [245]
Devil-dancer, [114], [212]–3, [246]
Dharba grass, [52]
Dipāvali festival, [135]
Dirgāyus, [25]
Dog, [25], [53], [57], [58], [196], [260]
——, wild, [79] Dolichos Lablab eaten at agricultural festival, [300]
Dōmb, [33], [145], [146], [170], [243]
Donga Dāsari, [41]
Dreams, lucky and unlucky, [19]–20
Drowned persons, spirits, [193], [254], [256]
Dung beetle, [106]
Durga pūja, [280]
Ears and tail of dog cut off, [57]
Earth, annointing body, [45];
against evil eye, [115], [116];
balls on corpse, [51];
carried by immoral women, [52];
effigies, [114], [120], [219], [249], [254], [287], [305];
from grave as charm, [194];
in boundary dispute, [38];
pelting with, [206], [303];
rolling in, [145], [146], [150];
trodden on against evil eye, [115],
by elephant, [83];
urine of enemy, [187], [248]
——, See Ant-hill
—— god, [59]
—— goddess, [36], [39], [199], [303]
——, menstruation, [296]
Earth-eating, [38]–9
Eclipse, [42]–4, [193], [195], [225]
Effigy, [244], [250]–1;
ant earth, [36];
ashes, [44], [307];
bamboo, [114];
brick, [113], [287];
charcoal, [307];
clay, [148], [247], [308]–9;
coloured powder, [114], [244];
earth, [114], [120], [219], [249], [254], [287], [305];
lead, [251]–2;
rice, [114], [245];
straw, [96], [112];
wax, [248];
wood, [112], [164], [249]–50
Eggs, [21], [34], [37], [70], [121], [132], [133], [187], [249]
Ejjugadu sorcerer, [244]
Elephant, [83], [191], [192], [203], [297]
—— post for meriah sacrifice, [202]–3 Erythrina indica, milk-post, [49]
European casts out devils, [181]–2
——, spirit propitiated, [178]
Evil eye, [109]–20, [187], [193]
—— tongue, [120]
Excommunication, [52], [68], [110]
Fasting, [35], [135], [138], [303]
Female, unlucky omen, [21]
Ficus hispida, [293]
Finger, amputation, [240]–1
——, sacred (hōmam), [51], [185], [186], [212], [213]
Fire-walking, offering of hair to deity, [141];
omens, [35];
priest sits on thorns, [145]
First-born child, amputation of finger, [240]–1;
buried where jackals can devour it, [58];
used in magic, [224]–5, [277], [240]–1
Fish, sacred, [100]–1
Fishermen’s gods, Ganjam, [164]–5
Fishes, superstitions, [100]–2
Fishing-net and trap to catch spirit, [243]
Flowers, omens, [35], [41]–2, [47]–8, [56]
Fœtus extracted for magic, [223]–6, [229]
Forefinger unlucky, [30]
Fortune-teller, initiation, [284];
Irula, [284];
Yerukala, [75]
Four-legged objects, objection to carrying, [81]
Fowl, [36], [70], [98], [105], [150], [154], [171], [246], [295], [304];
sacrifice, [15], [37], [41], [55], [68], [69], [88], [120], [133], [137], [148], [149], [152], [156], [175], [176], [177], [178], [187], [210], [214], [245], [248], [252], [253], [255], [284], [296], [302], [303]
Fox, [191]
Frenzy during divination or possession, [142], [144], [145], [147], [254], [255]–6, [278], [279], [284]–5, [287]
Frog, [252], [253], [280], [305], [306];
toad, [100]
Ganēsa, Ganapathi, or Vigneswara, [75], [103], [130], [156], [178], [180], [185], [276], [289], [291], [294]
Ganga, [118], [141], [148], [214]
Gangajātra festival, [148]
Ganja (Indian hemp), [250], [270]
Gaping, omen, [26]
Gavara, [142]
Gazelle (chinkāra), [82]
Geometric patterns to cure disease, [184]–5, [243]
Ghī, [78], [86], [124], [132], [133], [147], [185].
See Butter
Gingelly (Sesamum), [46], [50], [76], [127], [192] Givotia rottleriformis, charm, [194]
Goat, [105], [154], [176], [202];
sacrifice, [14], [37], [57], [69]. [82], [119], [137], [146], [148], [149], [150], [175], [205], [210], [214], [217], [244]–5, [255], [267], [282], [284], [295]
Go-cart on wheels as vehicle of god, [175]
Gourd (Lagenaria) used in sorcery, [227];
to ward off evil eye, [114]
Grain, omens, [21], [36], [49], [136];
in fortune-telling, [283];
mixed with meriah ashes, [204];
representing goddess, [61];
to appease evil spirit, [245]
—— crop, omens from cattle, [60]
Grāma dēvata (village deities), [14], [22], [27], [145], [151], [283];
Amba Bhavani, [281]–2;
Ankalamma, [22], [65];
Ankamma, [285];
Chaudēswari, [39];
Chenchu Dēvudu, [286];
Durgamma, [143], [151];
Ellamma, [41], [137];
Gangamma, [38], [144], [156], [219];
Gurumurthi, [254];
Guttalamma, [155];
Huligavva, [41];
Karuppan, [153];
Kodalamma, [36], [304];
Kolapuriamma, [283];
Kolaramma, [103];
Kulanthal Amman, [172]–3;
Māgāli, [279];
Māriamma, [37], [144], [146], [148], [151], [176], [214];
Mashani Chendi, [236];
Nukalamma, [15];
Pīda, [175];
Pōleramma, [35], [283], [285];
Saptha Kannimar, [166], [284], [285];
Sattāndi Amman, [103];
Siddēdēvaru, [177];
Yerakamma, [75]
Grindstone in rain ceremony, [305]
Guest, arrival, omens, [20], [67]
Gul bel (Tinospora cordifolia), [94]
Gun fired off to accelerate childbirth, [54]
Hair, burning, [53], [115];
offered to deity, [137], [138], [140]–1;
to snakes, [135];
shaving, [22], [29], [45], [309];
singeing as omen, [35];
use in magic, [220], [248], [250], [253]–5;
worn as charm, [193]
Hair-balls vomited by cows, [61]
——-marks (suli) in horses and cattle, [61]–5
Hamstringing of murderer’s corpse, [257]
Hand, imprint against evil eye, [119]–20
Hanged person, bark of tree as charm, [194]
Hanumān, [41], [186], [194], [195], [304]
Holeya, [28], [38], [297], [299]
Homicide, [199]–236;
as thank-offering for recovery from illness, [208];
for discovering treasure, [215]–21;
to appease the earth spirit, [214], [215];
to cure possession by devil, [221];
to ensure good crops, [199]–207;
to get rid of concubine, [231];
to get rid of sorcerer, [232]–4, [236];
to increase fertility of the soil, [208]–9;
to insure cattle against disease, [209];
to propitiate village deities, [214];
to secure fœtus for sorcery, [224]–30;
to stay epidemic, [235]–6
Hoofs burnt in lying-in chamber, [53]
Hook-swinging, omens, [71]
Horn burnt during eclipse, [44];
in lying-in chamber, [53]
Horse, [29], [62], [64], [82], [166], [186]–7
——, images set up in fields, and at Aiyanar shrines, [166]–7
House occupation, omen, [44], [59]
House-building, omens, [33], [39]–40, [70]
Human (meriah) sacrifice, [199]–206
—— sacrifice, substituted ceremony, [205]–7, [212]
Husband’s name, pronouncing unlucky, [20]
“Iguana” (Varanus), [16], [71], [100], [132], [220]
Image reflected in oil, [45], [55];
cf. [127], [248]
Incense, [14], [53], [102], [118], [130], [176], [177], [194], [200], [229], [260], [261], [284], [285], [286]
Infanticide, Toda, [210]
Insect in death ceremony, [106]
Insects as omens, [72]
Iron against evil eye, [117];
at puberty, marriage, death, etc., [69], [256];
chains dedicated to deity, [153]–4;
hung on trees, [156];
worn by Saniyāsi, [184];
cure for scorpion sting, [105];
hooks in back, [140];
nails in magic, [148], [222], [247]–50, [253]–6;
omen, [17];
swinging on, [145];
ordeal, [52], [154];
piercing body, [144]
Ivory beads worn as charm, [193]
Jackal, [58], [78], [191];
spurious horns, [189]–91
Jagganātha temple, Puri, [142]
Jaggery, [78], [133], [147], [287]
—— season, religious ceremony, [173]–4
Jak (Artocarpus integrifolia), [46], [212], [213], [229], [293]
Jokumara rain-making ceremony, [306], [307]
Journey, omens, [23]–5
Jupiter, planet, [276]
Kaikōlan, [144]
Kakkalan, [129]
Kāli or Durga, festival, [282]
Kalla Alagar, [42]
Kallan, [42], [133], [169], [244], [286]
Kaniyan, [213], [273]–7, [290]
Kāpu, [53], [87]–8, [118], [266], [306], [307]
Karamadai festival, [147]–8
Kāvadi, fish, [138]; milk, [137]–40
Kēvuto, [82]
Khatri, [118]
Kōliyan, [117]
Konda Dora, [265]
Kondh, [21], [56], [66], [76], [83], [86], [87], [111], [199]–207, [236], [260], [305]
Konga Vellāla, [52]
Koraga, [26], [67], [81], [151], [299]
Korama, [58]
Korava or Yerukala, [14], [21], [30], [34]–5, [40], [55], [68], [75], [120], [208], [282], [283]
Koyi, [21], [36], [56], [79], [87], [88], [90], [175], [207], [243], [262], [264], [265], [302], [303]
Kudubi, [177]
Kumbāra, [26]
Kunkumam (red powder), [40], [144], [166], [176], [192], [269]
Kuruba, [26], [52], [194], [307], [308]
Kurumba, [14], [232]–4, [277], [299], [300]
Kuruvikkāran, [39], [52], [282]
Kusavan potter, [166]–7
Kuttichāttan, [237]–8
Lakshmi or Lutchmi, [61], [195]
Lambādi or Brinjāri, [101], [136], [154], [155], [181], [209], [210]
Lamp and wick, [18], [32], [39], [50], [97], [106], [116], [117], [118], [121], [130], [136], [143], [149], [178], [184], [209], [212], [229], [243], [244], [251], [261], [268], [270], [278], [290], [294]
Leaf garments, [149]–52
Leather, beating with, [146]–7;
burnt in lying-in chamber, [53];
refusal to touch, [81]
Leaves, devil ceremony, [246];
omen, [40]
Leprosy, [97], [98], [108], [310]
Lime fruit, [22], [39], [50], [160], [244], [245], [249], [269]
Lingadar bottles evil spirits, [250]
Lingam, [91], [144]–5, [183], [304], [305], [308]
Lingāyat, [135], [144], [239], [256]
Lizard, [48]–9, [70]–1, [98]–9, [105], [162], [253]
Looking-glass (mirror), [17], [18], [20], [293]
Loris, eye used as love charm, [240]
Love philtre, [239], [240], [241]
Mādiga, [27], [77], [119], [151]
Magicians pretend to cure disease, [264]–5, [267]–8;
to discover treasure, [268];
to drive out devils, [268]–70;
to make stone bull eat, [272]
Magnesite, legend, [88]
Mahseer, [101]
Malai Vellāla, [83]
Malayan, [211], [212], [237], [245]
Mammals, superstitions, [73]–85
Mango, [60], [187], [285], [293]
Mannarsala, snake worship, [125]–6
Mantram, [37], [92], [93], [133], [135], [163], [166], [180], [181], [182], [186], [187], [213], [225], [227], [242], [244], [247], [248], [250], [258], [261], [267], [269], [270], [276], [277]
Mantrasara, [180]–1
Māppilla, [87], [111], [128], [129], [187], [188], [193]
Markandēya, [25]
Marks, unlucky, in girls, [52], [180]
Marriage of bachelor after death, [51];
of boys and girls to dolls, [159];
of idol to Paraiyan, [297];
omens, [14], [43]–4, [47]–50, [52], [55], [58], [63], [64];
wave offerings, [117]–8
Marriage pots, sacrifice to, [119]
Mātangi, [27]
Mēlkote temple, [297]
Menstruation, [21], [26], [46], [132], [185]–6.
See Puberty
Mercury cups, [196]
Meriah sacrifice, [199]–207
Metal bowls, blessed at Mecca, [188]
Metal votive, and other offerings, [160]–4
Milk, [21], [35], [79], [82], [111], [118], [121], [124], [131], [133], [134], [135], [136], [138], [139], [140], [285], [287], [300], [301], [304]
——, human, for scorpion sting, [105]
Milk-hedge (Euphorbia Tirucalli), [105], [259]
—— post, [49], [50], [256] Mimusops hexandra, milk-post, [49]
Minige (Argyreia) in Badaga ceremony, [301]
Mohwa or ippa (Bassia), [56], [302]
Mondi mendicant, [145]
Monkey, [17], [73], [205], [207], [240]
Monster, birth, [53];
regarded as a devil, [230]
Months, lucky and unlucky, [45], [46]
Moon, [17], [22], [43], [55], [104], [105], [190], [191], [220], [229], [239], [299], [302], [306]
Moon-shaped amulets, [195]
Morning, omen on waking, [19]
Mouse, [240]
Mouth-lock, [139]
Muhammadan, [29], [30], [31], [98], [119], [120], [163], [164], [170], [171], [187], [188], [195], [230], [249], [266], [269], [297]
Mungoose, [98]
Muni or Munisvara, [177], [209], [258], [295]
Munro, Sir Thomas, [34]
Murrel (Ophiocephalus), [102]
Museum, visit unlucky, [54]
Musk in agricultural ceremony, [293]
Mustard in evil eye ceremony, [119]
Nāgarapanchami, [123], [124], [135]
Nail-cuttings burnt against evil eye, [115];
in lying-in chamber, [53]
Nalke devil-dancer, [237]
Nambiathy priest at snake shrine, [125]–6
Names, lucky and unlucky, [20], [34], [55], [56], [133]–4, [143]
—— of holy persons drunk as charm, [187]
Nandi (sacred bull), [154], [304], [308]
Nāttukōttai Chetti, [117]
Nayādi, curse, [119]
Nāyar, [16], [17], [18], [111], [118], [128]–9, [138], [161], [193], [256]
Nētra mangalya, [167]
Nīm or margosa (Melia Azadirachta), [36], [53], [55], [94], [105], [115], [133], [144], [149], [150], [151], [156], [214], [254], [285], [304], [306]
Nobili, Dr, and magician, [271]–2
Nudity, [37], [104], [151], [224]–5, [227], [309]
Numbers, lucky and unlucky, [23], [26], [30], [31], [33], [34], [49], [52], [56], [68], [75], [117], [133], [135], [136], [184], [186], [194], [228], [229], [248], [249], [251]–2, [253], [299], [309]
Oddē, [68], [70], [93], [109], [256]
Odi cult, [226]–30 Odina Wodier, abode of devils, [286];
milk-post, [49]
Odiyan, [226]
Offspring, desire for, [218];
cocoanut broken on head, [146];
diet of monkey flesh, [73];
ear-boring ceremony on doll, [159];
eating cakes, [54];
offerings and vows, [40], [72], [124], [132], [133], [141], [142], [143], [147]–8, [150], [151], [155], [158]–9, [164], [166], [185];
snake songs, [128]
Oil, ceremonial use, [18], [29], [40], [45], [50], [119], [178], [201], [243], [282], [292];
magic oil, [96], [97], [226]–9;
marks on door, [119];
omen, [40];
reflection of image, [45], [55]
Oleander (Nerium), used in anointing body, [45]
Omens, good and bad, [15]–7
Ordeal, charcoal, [286];
fire, [146];
iron, [52], [154];
oil, [146], [197], [264], [282];
rice, [285], [288];
sieve, [288];
snake-bite, [123]
Ordure, omen, [59];
pelting with, [303];
thrown into houses, [145]
Owl, [65]–7
Paliyan, [69], [78], [81], [94]
Palli, [49]–50, [52], [117], [133], [152], [153], [216]
Palm-leaf book (graāndha), [18], [225], [253], [275], [293];
charm, [43], [189], [246], [253];
scroll, [172]
Palmyra palm, climbing, [84];
fruits to ward off evil eye, [113];
leaf charm, [187];
many-branched tree worshipped, [177]–8
Palni shrine, [137]–8, [143], [157]
Pāampanmekkat (snake guardian), Nambutiri, [126]–8
Pāanchagavyam, [79]
Panchamritham, [78] Pandanus fascicularis, believed to harbour snake, [96]
Pāndavas, [79], [85], [152], [265], [305], [309]
Pāndu kuli supposed to contain treasure, [215]–6
Paniyan, [68], [83], [231], [260]
Pāno, [221]
Paraiyan (Pariah) Malayaālam, [83], [225], [227]–8, [232], [246], [255]
Paraiyan, Tamil, [17], [27], [51], [57], [84], [117], [118], [133], [148], [158], [194], [197], [240], [244], [297], [309]
Parava devil-dancer, [237]
Parivaram, [254]
Partridge, [88]
Pavai (sorcery effigy), [247]
Peacock, [36], [41], [88], [200], [201]
Pepper in magic ceremony, [253]
Periyapālayam, leaf festival, [148]–51 Phaseolus Mungo, thrown into ant-hill, [136]
Pig, [83];
sacrifice, [56], [65], [165], [189], [201], [211], [284], [305]
Pipal (Ficus religiosa), [118], [133], [138], [288]
Placenta, burial, [55]; tied to tree, [81]
Plantain, [65], [78], [117], [121], [131], [147], [160], [185], [202], [212], [251], [252], [293], [294] Plumbago zeylanica, in magic, [228]
Pollution and purification, [26]–7, [28], [29], [34], [40], [43], [59], [67], [79], [81], [83], [110], [121], [123], [131]–2, [159], [179], [200], [297], [298], [301]
Pompada devil-dancer, [237]
Pongal festival, [35], [133], [202]
Porcupine, [85]
Portuguese, spirits propitiated, [179]
Possession of men by gods, [56], [142], [144], [147], [172], [213], [255], [267], [278], [279], [282], [284], [287], [301], [308]
Pot broken at boundary, [37];
to cure disease, [243];
to scare away owls, [66];
offered to cholera god, [176];
to ward off evil eye, [112], [113], [114];
worn as charm, [194]
Prayogasara, [181]
Pregnancy [44], [53]–4, [70], [85], [100], [246]
Pregnant corpses exposed in jungle, [74]–5
Prehistoric stone celts offered at shrines, [178]
Priapi to ward off evil eye, [112], [113], [114]
Puberty, [46], [57]–8, [117], [255]–6, [284]
Puri, car festival, [142]
Quail, [88]
Quivering of animals, [14]–5, [295];
of human body, [13]
Raāgi (Eleusine Coracana), [301]
Rags tied to bushes and trees, [155]–6;
to scare away owls, [66];
torches, [147]
Raāhu, [43]
Rain caused by monsters in the air, [310]–1
Rāma, legends, [17], [24], [83]–4, [87]
Rāmānuja, [297]
Rāma tanka, [235]
Rat-snake (Zamenis), [25], [71], [98]
Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), wooden figures carved at Tirupati, [159]
Reptiles, omens, [70]–1;
superstitions, [89]–100
Rice at agricultural ceremonies, [290], [291], [293], [294], [295], [300], [302], [304];
at Badaga festival, [116];
at Koyi festival, [303];
at meriah sacrifice, [201], [202];
at rain-making ceremony, [309];
at Vishu festival, [18], [289];
effigies, [130], [185], [244], [245];
in fortune-telling, [283];
in learning alphabet, [30];
in parturition, [54];
offerings, [15], [68], [73], [125], [133], [134], [135], [147], [150], [156], [175], [221], [243], [287], [299];
omens, [20], [33], [34]–5, [36], [37], [65];
ordeal, [146], [285], [288];
pot smeared with, [170];
poured over bullock, [166];
Russell’s viper stuffed with, [98];
thrown on corpse, [264];
tied to marriage cloth, [49]
—— balls, [22], [26], [67], [86], [115], [117], [253], [262]
——, boiled, [34], [37]–8, [39], [284]
——, charred, charm, [187]
—— ears, food for sparrows, [87]
—— flour, [32], [157]–8, [212]
—— unhusked (paddy), [27], [136], [169]
Right and left hand factions, [222]
Rings worn as amulets, [95], [191], [192], [193];
as vow, [161]
Roller or blue jay, [88], [279]–80
Russell’s viper, [98]
Sahavāsi, [102]
Sakti, [220]
Sālagrāma stone, [288]
Salt, [28], [115], [116], [118], [146]
Sandal (Santalum), [20], [41], [120], [123], [222], [251], [293]
Sandals offered to deity, [157]–8, [160]
Sand-snake (Eryx), [97]–8
Savara, [33], [73], [75], [155], [164], [165], [189], [262]
Scorpion, [20], [82], [102]–5, [192]
Sēdan, [144]
Sembadavan, [118]
Servile classes, privileges, [27], [296]–8 Setaria italica (tenai), [300]
Seven, number, [26], [30], [31], [33], [34], [49], [52], [56], [68], [186], [228], [229], [253], [291], [299], [309]
Shadow of European thrown on a feast, [109]
Shānān, [84], [174], [178], [246]
Shark-charmer, [198]
Sheep, [14], [22], [52], [191];
sacrifice, [37], [38], [41], [119], [137], [148], [149], [150], [176], [183], [214], [249], [287], [302]
Shoe-leather, omen, [57]
Shoes in lying-in chamber, [53];
unlucky, [29]
Sickle, unlucky for cutting crop, [59]
Silence, [38], [287];
vow, [139]
Sin, killing insects, [295];
omens, [40], [86]
Siva, [24], [65], [71], [86], [101], [115], [162], [163], [184], [279], [297], [305], [307], [308]
Skewer through cheeks and tongue, [138], [143], [144], [145]
Skull, human, used in sorcery, [228], [241]
—— of bull to ward off evil eye, [113]
Sleep, omens, [19]
Slippers, beating with, [28]
Smallpox, [29], [36], [39], [59], [115], [166] [175], [212], [235]
Smasanākollai festival, [136]
Snake, [20], [25], [43], [71], [89]–91, [96], [98], [186], [260]
——, cremation, [123]
—— gods, propitiation by Pulluvans, [129]–32
—— grove, [122]–3, [126]–7, [129], [131]
—— mosque at Manarghāt, [129]
—— shrine (nāga kovil), [92]
—— songs, [128]
—— stones, [120], [123]–6, [131]–3
——-wood tree, [91]
Snakes, images, [43], [124], [127], [160]
—— inhabit white-ant hills, [129], [133]–6
Sonaga, [196]
Square, magic, [32], [36]–7, [74], [78], [183], [184], [194], [215], [274], [276]
Squirrel, [83]–4
Srādh (anniversary ceremony for dead), [67]–8, [83]
Srāvana Belgola, colossal Jain figure, [135]
Srinivāsa fish, [102]
Sterility, umbilical cord a cure, [55]
Stone, magic (yantram rāyi), [180], [183]–5.
Stones piled up as vow, [158];
in honour of deity, [155]–7;
throwing into house, [239];
water-worn in shrine, [14]
Strangers, unlucky omen, [111] Strychnos Nux-vomica, [248], [251], [290]
Sugar, [78], [86], [140], [147], [170], [171], [213].
See Jaggery
Sun, [43], [51], [64], [204], [206], [276]
—— god, [35]
Suttee, [75]
Sword balanced on pot, [39];
boundary ceremony, [36];
cutting body, [144], [145], [278];
in worship, [153], [177]
Tāli, [46], [47], [48], [51], [143], [153], [158], [166], [195], [297]
Teeth, extraction, [257]–60
Telli, [81]
Temple car, [53], [114], [144], [222]–3, [297];
festival, [142] Terminalia tomentosa, [36], [304]
Tēyyambādi, [128]
Thanda Pulayan, [246] Thelyphonus (whip-scorpion), [105]
Thorns fixed to door, [296];
lying and sitting on, [145];
stuck into effigies, [120], [251], [252], [254];
to catch earth spirit, [243]
Thread, sacred, [194]
—— (string), charm, [193];
for tying yantram, [220];
movement as omen, [15], [41];
wound round ant-hill, [135]–6
Thulabhāram ceremony, [171]–2
Thunder, [19]
Tiger, [14], [57], [74]–6, [189], [260], [261], [262], [280]
Tīpu Sultan, [44]–5, [101], [188]
Tirupati (Tirumala), [55], [137], [141], [143], [148], [156]–9, [161], [168]–9
Tiyan, [46], [82], [128], [162]–3, [246]
Toad, [100]
Tobacco, [20], [27], [178], [208], [250], [259]
Toda, [141], [210], [233], [234], [279]
Toddy, [186], [187], [200], [251], [252], [253], [262], [263], [287], [295], [299], [302]
Torch, against evil eye, [115];
beating body, [146];
in death ceremony, [244];
rain ceremony, [309];
snake ceremony, [131];
rag torch tied to tree, [156]
Tottiyan, [14], [28], [94], [260]
Treading on charm, [185], [243], [247], [252], [307];
on name cut on road, [159];
water poured on footsteps, [51].
See Earth
Treasure, beliefs, [85], [90]–1, [102], [221];
human sacrifice, [215]–21
Tree of testimony as charm, [188]
Tree-snake, Dendrophis, [96];
Dryophis, [96], [97]
Trisula (Siva’s trident), [183]–4
Tūd (Meliosma pungens) in Badaga ceremony, [300]
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), [53], [291]
Turban, omen, [41]
Turmeric, [36], [40], [77], [114], [117], [125], [130], [166], [170], [171], [175], [176], [177], [185], [190], [194], [199], [202], [206], [212], [227], [243], [246], [269], [278], [283], [284], [292], [293], [295]
Twins, [54]
Umbilical cord, [25], [54]–5, [105]
Umbrella, unlucky, [29], [63];
silver, offering, [160]
Uncle, [55];
maternal, [54], [55], [70];
paternal, [55]
Urine of animals as omen, [15], [21], [58];
of enemy in magic, [187], [248];
of cattle, [58], [59], [79], [97];
of monkey, [73];
of monsters, [310]–1;
of wild dogs, [79]
Vada, [40]–1
Valaiyan, [56], [133], [244], [286]
Valluvan magician, [268]
Valmīki, [135]
Varuna japam, prayer to the rain god, [308]–10
Velama, [216]
Velichchapād, [277]–8
Vellālan, [133]
Venus, planet, [44]
Vettiyan grave-digger, [309]
Vettuvan, [151] Vigna Catiang seeds as omens, [39]
Virgin and Child, picture works miracles, [161]
——, catamenial blood in magic, [240];
corpse in sorcery, [242];
vows, [158]
Vishnupād (feet of Vishnu), [193]
Vontigadu ceremony, [50]–1
Vulture, sacred, [86]
Washing of feet, ceremonial, [22], [31]
Water, charm, [189];
drunk as charm, [187];
holy, [14], [123], [220];
poured over idol as vow, [147];
cf. [142]
Wave offering, [114], [115], [117]–9, [135], [171], [245]
White-ant. See Ant
Whooping-cough caused by Bhairava, the dog-god, [196]
Widow, [21], [30], [46], [51], [52]
Winnowing basket, [292], [293];
fan, [26], [283], [306];
sieve, [20], [80], [117], [287];
tray, [68], [283]
Wolf, [77]
Woodpecker, [85]
Wool of black sheep, charm, [191]
Words, lucky and unlucky, [29], [30], [31]
Yantram, [182], [185]–7, [196]–7, [219], [227]
Yantrasara, [181]
Yerukala. See Korava
Yetah fish (Bagarius), used in magic, [253]
Yōgi, [104]
Printed at The Edinburgh Press, 9 and 11 Young Street.