Vashikaran is a term derived from the root Vashikr which means to fascinate, to win over and also to bewitch. Vashikarana pertains to the erotic or chanting science and occurs in Atharva Veda (Kanda III.6.17) and Kamasutra of Vatsyayana (VII.1).
When charming young man and a damsel are in love but are unable to win over each other, then the means of vashikaran has been ordained by ancient wise men. It was also used to fascinate some key persons in the enemy camp or even whole enemy army.
In the third kanda of Atharva Veda, a few mantras have been given which are useful to fascinate the army of enemy. The eight sukta of kanda 6 of Atharva Veda has the mantras for the lovers to win each other’s heart. But a bigger stock of vashikaran mantras is available in the 17th kanda of Atharva Veda.
Vatsayana discusses vashikaran in Chapter VII 1.25-35 of Kamasutra. But the exposition is one-sided and unsatisfactory. Sutra 27 of Kamasutra of Vatsyayana prescribes the use of ointments or scents on the man, before coitus, for winning over the woman. Sutra 34 and 35 of Kamasutra of Vatsyayana state the use of collyrium made of bones of either camel or peacock or some other birds and describes its application in the eyes with a small pin made of camel bone for attraction.