Sorcery as Cure: Medicine in Mughal India (1526-1707)

Abstract

Sorcery and its intertwining with medicine have deep roots in Indian cultural and spiritual traditions, persisting through the Mughal period (1526-1707). The Mughal rulers, who were patrons of the Unani and Ayurvedic medical systems, also indirectly acknowledged the role of sorcery in healthcare. While Unani and Ayurvedic practitioners enjoyed state support and prominence, sorcerers, operating without official endorsement, played a vital role in medieval Indian society, particularly among the rural and lower classes. Sorcerers, believed to wield supernatural powers, provided accessible and affordable healthcare, often addressing ailments thought to be caused by spiritual or supernatural forces—an area beyond the reach of conventional physicians and hakims. This study examines the dual role of sorcerers as both healers and practitioners of magic within the Mughal medical landscape. Sorcerers offered various treatments, including herbal remedies, magical spells, and rituals, sometimes involving animal or human sacrifices. Their methods, although lacking scientific validation, were perceived as effective by a populace deeply entrenched in spiritual and magical beliefs.