I am forming a panel tentatively entitled "South Asian Magic in Historical and Contemporary Perspective", to be organized for the up-coming 37th Annual Conference on South Asia at Madison, Wisconsin, Oct. 16-19, 2008.

Papers on all topics connected with the history and practice of magic, magical thinking, and the experience of magic in South Asia are welcome. 'Magic', for the purposes of this panel, is left open-ended and as broadly defined as possible, to enable participants to map out the contours of the subject for themselves. Sample topics, however, include jinn beliefs, ghost-lore, exorcism rituals, performance magic, healing ceremonies, yogic practices and the siddhis, certain aspects of Ayurvedic medicine, occult components of martial arts, miracles, monsters, etc. My understanding of the topic assumes a certain degree of overlap and interplay, in some cases, between the concepts of magic and religion. Papers dealing mainly with theory also are welcome. Last year's call for papers for a similar panel attracted a great many excellent entries, more than could be entertained by a single panel. If you were one of those who did not make it onto last year's panel, please feel free to resubmit your entry.

If you are interested in being a part of this panel, please submit a short 150-200 word abstract of your paper. Please contact me right away if you have any questions.

I want to submit the proposal in mid-March, at least two weeks before the April 1, 2008 deadline, but earlier if possible. Those proposing papers should be ready to commit to attending the conference, including payment of fees by the deadline date.

Sincerely,

Prof. James W. Frey
History Department
Salem State College