In this study of the 16 principal states of India, the author found that male & female suicide rates in 1994 were associated with measures of equal education for men & women. Male suicide rates were associated with equal life expectancy for men & women. Equal income for women & men was not associated with suicide rates. Unlike earlier studies, no inverse association was found between equal attainment in education & suicide sex ratios. The author predicts substantial increases in the Indian suicide rates over coming decades. (32 refs)