The Vows, Exorcisms, and Magical Foods: Tackling the Fear and Anxiety Regarding Childbirth and Conception in Pre Modern Kerala

Conception and childbirth remained as a mystery in Pre Modern Kerala. Grappling with these anxieties people resorted to devotion, magic, and exorcism to tackle delayed conceptions and miscarriage. The burning desire of couples comes across the literature with such intensity as they prayed to every deity possible. Delayed conceptions were believed to be due to the secret possession of the lady by celestial spirits. This also implies the need to have one partner at a time for better chances of a successful conception and delivery. Society made the expectant mother consume enchanted food items for an offspring of the desired gender.