ISSN : 2395-7468 35 Naxalism: A Socio-psychological Review Arun Pratap Singh 1 Overview-The aim of this review is to develop understanding of possible psychological factors, consequences and strategies for addressing the problem of Naxalism. Since Naxalism is increasingly being viewed as a threat to socio-cultural and economic fabric of the country, concerted efforts are required from different disciplines to develop knowledge of its multi- dimensional causality and mediation. Social Psychology, which claims for study of individual in group, may harbour some leverages to analyse and resolve different concerns related with Naxalism. Therefore, in this study, a review was undertaken to collect, interpret and present relevant insights, findings of related psychological studies and opinions expressed in different types of writings in magazines, journals and books. Results from this study indicate potential relevance of psychological knowledge related with identity, poverty, deprivation, perception, aggression to address problem of Naxalism effectively. Introduction The central aim of this paper is to develop a socio-psychological understanding of Naxalism. As a generic term, ‘Naxalism’ has been used to denote for organized and militant revolt to discriminating socio-economic structure of the country. Next to terrorism, it has been identified as a core threat to internal security and peace of the country. In last forty years since its inception in 1967 from a small village in West Bengal, Naxalism has spread to and gained prominence in many states of India. Sometimes in disguise and sometimes openly, underground armed Naxalite activities have created immense loss of life and property, particularly, in Chatisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhrapradesh, and Orisa (Kaur, 2010). Recently, it is being propped up also in many northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra etc. Nearly one third of territory of India seems to be afflicted by Naxalite movement. Several serious social, cultural and administrative consequences including minimized 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Education, MG International Hindi University, Wardha, Maharashtra- 442001, India. E-mail: jyotiarun13@gmail.com