The original Lal Kitab, penned in Urdu in the early 20th century by Pt. Roop Chand Joshi, is a series of five books known for their radical simplicity. For example, instead of wearing a expensive gemstone, a Lal Kitab remedy might suggest feeding a dog a bread roti or throwing a coin in flowing water. This practicality appeals to the common person — especially in Gujarat, a state known for its mercantile pragmatism and deep-rooted faith in astrology, palmistry (hast rekha), and vastu .