History of Indian cuisine

History of Indian Cuisine

The History of Indian Cuisine traces the evolution and diversity of Indian cuisine over thousands of years. Indian cuisine is characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and herbs grown across the Indian subcontinent.

Origins[edit | edit source]

The history of Indian cuisine dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests the use of a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as the domestication of cattle for milk, dairy products, and meat.

Ancient India[edit | edit source]

During the Vedic period, the staple diet of the Indian population was composed of millet, barley, rice, and a variety of pulses. The use of spices, herbs, and vegetables was common. The Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, classified food into three categories: sattva, rajas, and tamas, based on their qualities.

Medieval India[edit | edit source]

The Medieval period in India saw the introduction of new cooking methods and dishes from Central Asia due to the invasions of the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and Persians. This period also saw the introduction of pilaf, kebab, and biriyani.

Colonial India[edit | edit source]

The Colonial period brought European cooking styles and ingredients to India. The Portuguese introduced potatoes, tomatoes, and chillies, while the British popularized tea and coffee.

Modern Indian Cuisine[edit | edit source]

Modern Indian cuisine is a blend of traditional and foreign influences. It is categorized into regional cuisines based on the local ingredients, culture, and history. Some of the popular regional cuisines include Punjabi cuisine, Bengali cuisine, South Indian cuisine, and Goan cuisine.

Influence on World Cuisine[edit | edit source]

Indian cuisine has had a significant influence on world cuisine. Curry has become a global phenomenon, and Indian spices are used worldwide. Indian cuisine has also influenced the cuisines of Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa.

References[edit | edit source]

This food-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Part of a series on the
History of India

Timeline
Prehistoric Madrasian culture Soanian, c. 500,000 BCE Neolithic, c. 7600 – c. 3300 BCE Bhirrana 7570 – 6200 BCE Jhusi 7106 BCE Lahuradewa 7000 BCE Mehrgarh 7000 – 2600 BCE
Ancient Indus Valley civilization, c. 3300 – c. 1700 BCE Post Indus Valley Period (Cemetery H Culture), c. 1700 – c. 1500 BCE Vedic civilization, c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE Kuru Kingdom, c. 1200 - c. 500 BCE Early Vedic Period Rise of Śramaṇa movement Later Vedic Period Spread of Jainism – Parshvanatha Spread of Jainism – Mahavira Rise of Buddhism Kingdom of Magadha Haryanka Dynasty c. 544 – c. 413 BCE Shaishunaga Dynasty c. 413 – c. 345 BCE Nanda Dynasty, c. 345 – c. 322 BCE Mahajanapadas, c. 500 – c. 345 BCE
Classical Kingdom of Magadha Maurya Dynasty, c. 322 – c. 185 BCE Shunga Dynasty, c. 185 – c. 75 BCE Kanva Dynasty, c. 75 – c. 30 BCE Sangam period Kushan Dynasty, c. 30 – c. 230 CE Satavahana Dynasty, c. 30 BCE – c. 220 CE Gupta Dynasty, c. 200 – c. 550 CE
Early medieval Chalukya Dynasty, c. 543 – c. 753 CE Harsha's Dynasty, c. 606 CE – c. 647 CE Karakota Dynasty, c. 724 – c. 760 CE Arab Invasion, c. 738 CE Tripartite Struggle, c. 760 – c. 973 CE Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty Rastrakuta Dynasty Pala Dynasty Chola Dynasty, c. 848 – c. 1251 CE 2nd Chalukya Dynasty, c. 973 – c. 1187 CE
Late medieval Delhi Sultanate, c. 1206 – c. 1526 CE Slave Dynasty Khalji Dynasty Tugluq Dynasty Sayyid Dynasty Lodhi Dynasty Pandyan Dynasty, c. 1251 – c. 1323 CE Vijayanagara, c. 1336 – c. 1646 CE Bengal Sultanate, c. 1342 – c. 1576 CE
Early modern Mughal Dynasty, c. 1526 – c. 1540 CE Suri Dynasty, c. 1540 – c. 1556 CE Mughal Dynasty, c. 1556 – c. 1857 CE Bengal Subah, c. 1576 – c. 1757 CE Maratha Empire, c. 1674 – c. 1818 CE Company Raj, c. 1757 – c. 1858 CE Kingdom of Mysore, c. 1760 – c. 1799 CE Sikh Empire, c. 1799 – c. 1849 CE
Modern The Great Rebellion, 1857 – 1858 CE British Raj, 1858 – 1947 CE Independence Movement Independent India, 1947 CE – present Dominion of India, 1947 – 1950 CE Republic of India, 1950 CE – present
Related articles Timeline of Indian History Dynasties in Indian History Economic History Demographic History Linguistic History Architectural History Art History LGBT history Literary History Philosophical History History of Religion Musical History Education History Coinage History Paper Currency History Science and Technology History List of Inventions and Discoveries Military History Naval History Wars involving India
v t e