From the Arthashastra we learn that there was a widespread belief in magical practices and superstitions of all kinds in the Mauryan society. It mentions numerous magical rites and practices for finding favour with the king, for obtaining inexhaustible wealth, for afflicting enemies with disease, for securing a long life or for getting a son.
Most of Book Fourteen of the Arthashastra, called Aupanisadika, describes a number of rites and practices which are supposed to produce occult manifestations or miraculous effects.