Folk Lore Notes. Vol. I—Gujarat

Born from a tribute to a respected scholar who died in 1909, this volume gathers the raw answers schoolteachers across Gujarat and the Konkan gave to a set of folklore questions at the turn of the century. Compiled from the original questionnaires, the material was rescued from obscurity and presented without heavy editorial interference, preserving the authentic voice of the communities that responded.

The collection offers a vivid window into everyday belief systems: spirit worship, witchcraft, the dreaded evil eye, and the countless omens that guided daily life. Readers will hear detailed descriptions of protective charms, lucky and unlucky numbers, and elaborate exorcism ceremonies, alongside folk explanations of rainbows, eclipses, and comets. Though some entries are modest, the notes capture traditions that are fading fast, making the book a valuable resource for anyone fascinated by the living folklore of western India.