Consumption of alcoholic beverages has existed from the old ages though it has risen to prominence in the recent decades. Beer, rum, whisky, which seem the common drinks now were unheard of in a certain time. AllAboutDaru takes you to that time when alcoholic drinks found their identity.
Mythology and Past Millennia
Mythological writings, Ayurvedic texts and vedas mention the use of alcohol in various forms and methods. Recreational beverages were classified in two types, soma and sura. Soma-ras, which finds a mention in mythological texts too, was considered a drink of the gods and its elite worshippers. Mostly termed as amrit, it was considered to grant immortality to the drinker and, hence, also rumoured to be psychoactive. On the other hand, sura, which was a fermented drink from rice and sugarcane, was considered Indra, the god king’s, favourite drink. It was consumed by warriors for it would grant them courage and valor in a battle. Though neither of the texts mention the drinks to be alcoholic, their effects are strikingly similar to the effects after consuming an alcoholic beverage.
Ayurveda has always strongly advocated alcohol usage for medicinal purposes. It was primarily used as a narcotic when patients were being operated upon. It also extolled the virtues of alcohol consumption but has strongly detailed its moderate usage in the following words; “Vital as the ambrosia when consumed in small amounts and fatal as the poison on drinking indiscriminately”.
The Middle Ages
The alcoholic beverages brewed in the earlier times were low on alcohol content and, hence, satisfied the recreational drinking style. During the era when many dynasties ruled the large expanse of Indian sub-continent, consuming alcoholic beverages was a part of life for extremities in lifestyles. The most elite wines were consumed by the emperors and the royals whereas soldiers and laborers would habitually consume alcoholic drinks made from wheat, barley and millet.
Grape-based wine finds its earliest mention in the writings of Chanakya during the rule of the Maurya dynasty. Although Islam prohibits consumption of alcohol, nevertheless, it was quite prevalent in the Mughal era, especially during the period of Emperor Jehangir.
Pre and Post-Independence
Since the British occupation, the consumption of alcohol in India has seen a slow and steady rise. The factors can date back to the times of Portuguese colonists as well who introduced port-style wine. Vineyards and breweries were encouraged and found extensive establishments throughout regions of India.
Around this time, the fermented low-alcohol content beverages of India were gradually replaced by beverages from distilleries containing higher amounts of alcohol. This has been the very initial pre-cursor to the variety of alcoholic beverages available to us today. Post-independence, the alcohol industry of India was at its peak but soon suffered a huge setback. Many states began prohibiting alcohol consumption which was later supported by myriad religious and public opinions. The flourishing and thriving vineyards were either destroyed or reduced to producing table grapes and raisins.
Goa, one of the last remaining states to keep producing alcoholic beverages, was privy to the visit by French winemakers. Hereafter, by introduction of various grape varieties and brewing techniques, the alcohol industry in India saw its revival and progressed to the stage where it stands now.