This reprint of an original work (first published in 1932) 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. And this all-pervasive force acts both for good and for evil. In a sense main's whole endeavour in magic and religious rituals is to obtain control of this power for his own benefit and accumulate a fund of it as a source of all forms of blessing. After giving his key concept, the author explains Keys of Power or Keys of Punya, those axioms and rules of conduct that man frames in his effort to control power for his own purposes, to preserve it, to transfer it, to coerce it or invoke it. He has also sketched the factors that destroy power. Accordingly, he devotes 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. There are also chapters on the ritual of agriculture, spirits, and curses and oaths. This comprehensive work that contains an astonishing wealth of customs covers both Hindus and Muslims. A useful glossary, numerous diagrams and an exhaustive index further enhance the value of this work for both the scholar and the general reader.