Added: 01/25/2006 |
The history and present condition of Indian cuisineThe basis of Indian cuisine is presented merely with traditional Indian vegetarian dishes the history of which can be traced to far away the 5th century of B.C. Historical facts show that own vegetarian traditions Indian cuisine gained in the ancient civilization (the commonest examples are Mohenjodaro or Harappa). The certain data are still under discussion as the main scripts were not unlocked.
In spite of these uncertain facts it is proved that Aryans people, came to Northern Indian region, were representatives of meat cuisine. During the time of their territory controlling (Aryan Vedic term) meat was greeted much and consumed rather often. But, emergence of Buddhism and Jainism changed significantly history itself influenced the line of Indian cuisine development in a crucial way. The basis of these religious philosophical streams is presented by eternal principle of non-violence one of the main ahimsa rules. Animal sacrifice was embodied in new Brahminical ideas and number of vegetarian diets in practice that eventually captivated the Indian cuisine itself.
Although there were still present some regular incidents of meat consumption, but always after the procedure of animals sacrificing to gods. The list of possible animals-sacrifice included even cows that are general taboo today (according to common Hinduism laws). There are some other following reasons of cows being sacred: because of some legends (about the connection of cow?s and humans milk); cow was accepted for a long time as part of Indian family; there were discovered ?magic roots? that connected human ancestors and cow histories.
While development of ancient Indian civilizations many Indian kings put restrictions on animal food (meat eating was considered to be the sin against ancestors. Kings, as examples of vegetarian food partisans, influenced people psychology. The beef and other meat eating taboo was strengthened by two great Indian philosophy teachers Buddha and Mahavir. That gave an impulse to many vegetarians to many Buddhists to step the way of vegetarian Indian cuisine.
Although not every Buddhist is a vegetarian as it often considered to be. One more reason of Buddhism meat conditional prohibition is belief in reincarnation. The thought of possible future life being embodied in animal and animal eating was unacceptable. But it is still possible in accordance with acting concept to eat meat of animal that died accidentally. Another strong motivation for meat eating prohibition for Buddhists was rule not to abuse and make harm to any living creature. That is the basis of Buddhism concept and philosophy itself.
Today Indian vegetarian breads and many other Indian vegetable dishes can be found in numerous western restaurants that are constantly gaining the popularity. The result is creating of many national policies for health nutrition and happier life. The millions of research works and scientific articles have proved that vegetarian foods can save not only human?s physical powers but as well his/her mental strength and abilities.
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