In this fascinating psycho-analytic study of Hindu childhood and society, Sudhir Kakar uses anthropological evidence, clinical data, mythology and folklore to open the door on to the daily lives of the Hindu family and the shadowy world of collective fantasy. It explores the developmental significance of Hindu infancy and childhood, and its influence on identity formation. It will be of interest to all who are interested in Indian society and its myths, rituals, fables and arts, but will be particularly rewarding for anyone concerned with the psychological study of societies and the relevance and validity of psycho-analytic concepts in Indian culture and society.