The word "Vegetarian" is a derivation of the Latin word `vegetari `which actually means to enliven. Vegetarianism in India is a popular belief and practice in the subcontinent. The states with a high proportion of vegetarians are Gujarat (69 percent), Rajasthan (60 percent), Punjab-Haryana (54 percent) and Uttar Pradesh (50 percent). At medium-high levels are Madhya Pradesh (45 percent), Karnataka (34 percent), and Maharashtra (30 percent). Medium-low levels prevail in Tamil Nadu (21 percent). Andhra Pradesh (16 percent) and Assam (15 percent), and low vegetarian levels is found in Kerala, Orissa and West Bengal.
Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes all animal products from the diet. It has been seen that there are several variants of the diet, which also exclude eggs or some products produced from animal labour such as dairy products and honey. Moreover, Vegetarianism in India also originated for ethical reasons; this practice of abstaining from the use of animals also often shows support for animal rights. Vegetarianism in India partially developed for the economic reasons too. Since animal foods are comparatively expensive, people have started opting for vegetarianism.
Vegetarianism in India has long historical implications. According to the records early Aryans consumed various kinds of non -vegetarian dishes including meat of many kinds. However, the cow was considered to be an object of concern right from the very early age for its utility and being a domestic animal. Besides, prohibitions of various bovine animals have been expressed in the Sutra literature. In the Manusmriti of 200 BC a veritable code of living, includes formidable lists of forbidden meats.
Buddhists and the Jains were also against Vedic animal sacrifices since their commencement. Gautam Buddha himself strongly opposed ritual sacrifices as a means of personal salvation practised by the Brahmins, however he allowed Buddhist monks to consume cooked meat if it was given to them as alms. His contemporary, Mahavira, the 24th thirthankara of the Jain community, went much further to prohibit the consumption of meat. According to him killing of an animal for food simply a heinous act and suggested that maximum care should be ensured that even unseen but potential forms of life should be spared. Only food that was `absolutely innocent` was permitted by Mahavira and the prohibitions included twenty two unsuitable things and another thirty two with life potential. Vegetarianism in India also finds importance during the Emperor Ashoka, a devout Buddhist reign.
Brahmin priests were also obliged to follow suit, and influential reformers like Shankara, Madhva and Ramanuja who altered the animal sacrifices by substituting, with objects like coconuts and pumpkins smeared with vermilion powder. Brahmins residing in India are especially vegetarian. Vegetarianism in India is also spread to the Sara swaths of Karnataka, who are believed to hail from Kashmir. In Bengal, the followers of Vishnu are also vegetarian, as are Jains and Buddhists. Vegetarianism in India, is a habit which is a means of gaining social esteem, but most follow it as a genuine conviction.
The practice of Vegetarianism in India can be a healthy option. An extensive consumption of vegetarian food consumed were the range of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruit, milk, condiments, spices and sweetening agents are vegetarian meals of high nutritional quality, and with gustatory and aesthetic appeal.
