Abstract: This paper is about some of the folk beliefs of evil spirits amongst the people of India and see some analogous beliefs amongst the Slavs. Belief in evil spirits is not confined to only Magadha but is widespread in the whole of India. Since I have worked as a researcher in the Magadha area, Bihar, this study refers to the region. The fear of the malevolent has been depicted in many stories of the past. The discussion about evil spirits and godlings this paper is dealing with is not about regular gods who form the traditional pantheon. They are godlings feared by the village folk. Perpetual oblations are carried out as the godlings directly affect the village folk everyday life and even their occupation. This topic is broad but nonetheless interesting. It requires a more detailed discussion. The paucity of space restricts me to make a few observations.

keywords: malevolent, sorcerer, evil eye, charms, amulets.