The Latin term, 'Magi', was used to refer to Zorastrians during ancient times.^{[citation needed]} The performance of magic and its practice is in fact historical and very ancient. There would be definite yet varied purposes for the practice of magic which evolved where entertainment, tricks, deception, illusion, cheating in games, fun, etc. may have been aimed. Sometimes, in religious context and purpose, it meant to offer social education along with some kind of preaching and healing too. The practice of Magic started to become evident around the beginning of the 18th century in India, and eventually the nation would present some distinct magicians in later years. West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai and some other parts of India have produced few great magicians so far.

P.C. Sorcar is known as the father of modern Indian magic.^[1] Some of his specialties included: Sawing a woman in half and Aerial Suspension illusion. He was a prolific author of books on magic in Hindi, Bengali and English languages.^[2]