![]() In the Vedic texts, among drinks are mentioned wine and somarasa; the latter was, perhaps, used by the upper classes, particularly in sacrifices. Dadhimantha perhaps means liquefied curd or clarified butter. Milk (kslra), curd (dadhi) and ghee had also been mentioned. The Vedic texts also mentions the usage of the meat of bulls, horses, buffaloes and even of dogs is proved. Madhu (honey) appears to have been used as an article of food in this age. A preparation of fried rice, called laja, is mentioned. The Veda also testifies to the wide prevalence of drinking wine. ![]() Some of the appliances and utensils, connected with the preparation of food, are mentioned in certain Brahmanas; for example mortar and pestle, winnowing basket, pot, and utensils made of bell-metal. The Shatapatha Brahmana mentions oven and the mode of making it. The oven appears to have been made of a mixture of clay, sand of gravel, stone and iron dust. Udumbara (sacrificial fig), jujube and berries are some of the edible fruits mentioned in the Brahmanas. Shatapatha Brahmana mentions sugarcane. Aitareya Upanishad mentions shoots of Banyan trees and fruits of fig. Among the drinks are mentioned soma, sura, honey, milk and fruit-juice. Soma appears to have been confined to the priestly class. Surd or spirituous liquor is condemned in Shatapatha Brahmana. It is specifically prohibited for Brahmanas. The Taittiriya Upanishad, however, mentions sura as the best; it is extracted from certain herbs or fermented from rice. Parisrut appears to have been semi-fermented liquor condemned for Brahmanas in Shatapatha Brahmana. ![]() Among utensils, mention is made, in the Sutras, of those made of metal, wood, stone and clay. Among the metals in common use were, perhaps, bell-metal, copper and iron. Gold and silver utensils also are mentioned, but these seem to have been confined to the well-to-do class, particularly for use in certain expensive Srauta rites. Cooking pots, pitchers and plates of earth appear to have been popular. Baudhayana Shrauta Sutra refers to leather-bags used for storing ghee, oil, honey and grains. The Sutras bear clear testimony to the vogue of meat-eating in the society. Meat, both roasted on spits and cooked in pots, appears to have been in use. It was an essential element in madhuparka offered to distinguished guests. ![]() In the Ramayana it has been mentioned that the Aryans were accustomed to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The vanaras (monkeys) were used to vegetarian food alone, their food having been fruits, roots and leaves. The Raksasas were carnivorous. The Aryan people mainly used rice, barley, wheat and pulses. Boiled rice appears to have been the most popular food. Refined rice, mixed with curd and milk, was a favourite dish. Among milk products, curd, curd mixed with sugar and ghee was used. Meat-eating appears to have been widely prevalent both among the Aryans and the non-Aryans. So far as drinking wine is concerned, the Ramayana condemns the practice particularly among the Brahmanas. Wine appears to have been of two main varieties, namely distilled and natural. Among other drinks are mentioned honey and madhuparka, the latter being an admixture of curd, ghee, honey, sugar and water. From certain references in the Mahabharata sesamum appears to have been used as food. Milk and milk products like curd, ghee had been highly spoken of. Of the sweets, cakes (apilpa), and sugarcane-juice (i.e. molasses) are mentioned. Fruits, even some wild varieties, were eaten by people. As regards meat-eating, the Mahabharata allows it at some places while condemning it at others. The meat of birds also appears to have been edible; their species, however, have not been mentioned. Further, from certain references fish appears to have been used as food. Various literary sources talks about the different food habits of the people in ancient India. (Last Updated on : 17-07-2013) |
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