Roop Chand Joshi and Lal Kitab

Roop Chand Joshi and Lal Kitab

Pandit Roop Chand Joshi (1898–1982), born in Pharwala village, Jalandhar, Punjab, is widely recognized as the author and master of Lal Kitab, a unique system of Vedic astrology and palmistry. He authored five volumes of Lal Kitab between 1939 and 1952, originally written in Urdu, with later translations into Hindi. These books are known for their poetic verses, philosophical insights, and practical remedies (upaya) for planetary afflictions in a horoscope, blending astrology with palmistry in a system called astro-palmistry.

Roop Chand Joshi is credited as the original author of Lal Kitab, a unique set of five Urdu books on astrology and palmistry published between 1939 and 1952 in India.

Lal Kitab Overview

• Written in Urdu but with rhyming verses, making it easy to memorize.

• Considered revolutionary because it simplified complex Jyotish (astrology) principles into practical remedies.

• Unlike classical astrology, it focused heavily on planetary positions in houses (not so much on signs or degrees).

• Introduced the concept of “Upayas” (remedies) that were simple, low-cost, and symbolic (like feeding animals, donating items, etc.).

• Known as the “Red Book”, because of its red cover.

Authorship

• Pandit Roop Chand Joshi (1898–1982) of Punjab is accepted by scholars and practitioners as the true compiler/author.

• The first book came out in 1939 (Lal Kitab Ke Farmaan), followed by four more volumes until 1952.

• Though astrologers sometimes mystify its origins, attributing it to divine knowledge or Persian roots, academic research confirms Joshi’s authorship.

The Five Lal Kitab Books

1. Lal Kitab Ke Farmaan (1939)

2. Lal Kitab Ke Armaan (1940)

3. Gutka (1941) – concise pocket edition

4. Lal Kitab (1942)

5. Lal Kitab (1952) – the most comprehensive edition

Why it’s Special

• Brought astrology to common people.

• Remedies are symbolic (e.g., offering food, flowing certain items in water, wearing simple ornaments) rather than expensive rituals.

• Strong link between palmistry and horoscope analysis.

• Spread widely in India, Pakistan, and later globally.

Pandit Roop Chand Joshi (1898-1982) was the author of the Lal Kitab, a set of five books on astrology and palmistry written between 1939 and 1952. Born in the village of Pharwala in Punjab, India, he was a government official by profession and not a traditional astrologer.

The Origin of Lal Kitab

According to accounts, Joshi received the knowledge for the Lal Kitab through a “divine power” that appeared to him in a dream. This divine inspiration allowed him to write down a new system of astrology that combined elements of Vedic astrology, palmistry, and Samudrika Shastra (the ancient Indian science of body reading). The books were originally written in Urdu and were bound in red, which is where they get the name “Lal Kitab” (meaning “Red Book” in Hindi/Urdu).

The Lal Kitab is known for its unique approach to astrological remedies, often called upay or totke. These remedies are simple, practical, and often involve everyday items or actions, like donating food, performing specific rituals at home, or wearing certain types of clothing. This distinguishes the Lal Kitab from traditional Vedic astrology, which often recommends more complex and costly remedies like elaborate pujas or expensive gemstones.

Pandit Roop Chand Joshi (1898–1982) is credited as the author and originator of the currently available versions of Lal Kitab, a unique collection of five volumes on Vedic astrology, palmistry, and remedies. He wrote these books from 1939 to 1952, developing a new branch of Vedic astrology that integrates astrological predictions with palmistry and practical remedies using household items. The Lal Kitab is noted for its distinct approach compared to classical Indian astrology, introducing concepts like artificial planets and simple remedial measures for planetary afflictions. Written originally in Urdu, these books are highly regarded and followed widely in India and beyond for astrological guidance and remedies. Pandit Roop Chand Joshi worked as an accounts officer and lived in Punjab, India until his death in 1982. His legacy continues through his writings and followers, including his son who is also an authority on Lal Kitab.

Key Details About Lal Kitab:

• Titles and Publication Years:
  1. Lal Kitab Ke Farman (1939, 383 pages)
  2. Lal Kitab Ke Arman (1940, 280 pages)
  3. Gutka (Teesra Hissa) (1941, 428 pages)
  4. Lal Kitab – Tarmeem Shuda (1942, 384 pages)
  5. Ilm-e-Samudrik ki Buniyad Par Lal Kitab (1952, 1173 pages)
• Unique Features:
  • Lal Kitab (meaning “Red Book” in Hindi and Urdu) is distinct for its integration of Vedic astrology with palmistry, linking planetary positions in a horoscope to palm lines.
  • It emphasizes simple, affordable remedies (e.g., throwing coins into a river, feeding cows, or offering meals to unmarried girls) over traditional Vedic practices like gemstones or elaborate rituals.
  • The books were traditionally bound in non-shiny red covers, symbolizing auspiciousness in Hindu culture and aligning with the ledger-like format of life’s karmic account.
  • Written in accessible Urdu for the common person, it includes Persian influences and uses poetic farmanns (edicts) to convey remedies.
• Philosophical Approach:
  • Lal Kitab focuses on karmic balance, suggesting that planetary influences can be mitigated through specific actions (totkas) that align with an individual’s willpower to neutralize negative effects.
  • It introduces unique concepts like “masnoohee” (artificial) planets and “baalig/nabaalig” (adult/minor) planetary conditions, distinguishing it from classical Vedic astrology.

About Roop Chand Joshi:

• Background: Born into a Hindu Brahmin family to Pandit Jyoti Ram Joshi, a revenue official, Roop Chand faced early hardships after his mother’s death, taking on family responsibilities. He was an accounts officer in the British India Defense Department, retiring in 1954 after India’s partition, when he moved to Punjab near Chandigarh.
• Legacy: Joshi is considered the originator of Lal Kitab by many, though some debate suggests he may have compiled or edited older manuscripts. His son, Pandit Som Dutt Joshi, also an authority on Lal Kitab, authored Rehnuma-e-Lal Kitab and resides in Canada.
• Skills: Known for his intelligence and linguistic prowess in Urdu, English, and Persian, Joshi passed the competitive Vajife Exam for accountancy. His ability to read cattle ownership by their foreheads as a child hinted at his intuitive gifts.

Impact and Popularity:

• Lal Kitab has become a cultural phenomenon in North India and Pakistan, with remedies like feeding animals or throwing coins into rivers integrated into everyday practices.
• Its accessible language and practical approach have made it popular globally, with a growing following among astrologers and enthusiasts.
• The system is studied through self-reading rather than formal classes, as the texts are complex and require repeated study to master.

Controversies and Notes:

• The origins of Lal Kitab are debated, with some suggesting it stems from 18th-century Urdu-Persian manuscripts discovered in Lahore, possibly compiled by Joshi or his cousin, Pandit Girdhari Lal Sharma.
• Caution is advised against fake Lal Kitab books; authentic remedies should be prescribed by expert practitioners after thorough horoscope analysis.