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Synopsis Shamanism : Roots of the Rig Veda explicitly details the evolution of mankind. The very first man that trod this earth (Homo-Erectus) was in comparison to the other animal life helpless and very weak. How then did this creature manage to survive? G.D. Bakshi in this work has surmised that the earliest man was possessed with certain extra-special powers of sensory perception, which allowed him to overcome his adversities. As time passed man left his nomadic ways. He settled down to a pastoral existence and he slowly lost these powers. Finally it became apparent that these extra-sensory powers were left amongst a few persons only. These persons then went on to use these by now magical powers to over-awe and impress their fellow men of their superiority. These few were the Shamans that we can still see today in many tribal communities. Though many may be charlatans exploiting the beliefs of their kinsmen some truly do possess these powers even today. Bakshi whilst exploring the history of such clans and the priest cults that developed within them has amply shown that these originally natural powers now have to be in many instances kick-started by the use of certain psychotropic substances commonly used by these people. His in-depth study has shown how it was on the base of such powers that many of our ancient philosophies and rituals were developed. Using the Rig Veda and the magical Soma as a base for the study he has shown us how such cults have developed over the ages and the similarities in their practice and development.