SUMMARY
Bequest behavior is a highly delicate and complex subject which requires considerable attention byresearchers across all disciplines including economics, sociology and psychology. Studying the motivesbehind bequests becomes critical not only from a socio-psychological perspective but also from a policyperspective. This paper attempts to explore the socio- economic reasons which influence the intention tobequest focusing specifically on the effect of religious affiliation. This study uses survey data from India totest the hypotheses drawn from the anthropology, sociology and consumer behavior literature using logisticregression technique. The results indicate that self-interest negatively impacts the probability of leaving alegacy. Surprisingly, the study finds evidence for negative relationship between religious affiliation andleaving a bequest. This study also reveals that unmarried women are less likely to leave a bequest. Unlike inthe philanthropic literature, the research could not find satisfactory evidence of altruism and social normsdriving bequest behavior among Indians.