The fumigant toxicity, ovicidal and oviposition-deterrent potential of the essential oil of Indian dill, Anethum sowa and its three major fractions against the grain beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on chickpea were investigated. Two fractions produced 100% mortality of adult beetles at 3.0 μl/ml dosage, whereas the essential oil was the least effective. Fraction III was 100% ovicidal at a 70 μl/ml concentration. The essential oil and fraction III both completely deterred oviposition at the lowest concentration tested, 10 μl/ml. Neither the essential oil nor its fractions had any significant effect on chickpea seed germination.