Abstract
Brewing and drinking of various liquors was developed into an art in ancient India as well as in Karnataka. Beverages are believed to contain ethanol are mentioned in ancient Indian literature dated back to Vedic period around 2000 B. C. Ancient Indian medical texts described in details the harmful effects of excessive or indiscriminate drinking on the mind and body Ethanol or generally referred as Alcohol consumption is gradually increasing in the developing countries in the last two decades. In India, cumulative cost of alcohol consumption is more than the income due to their sale. The proportion of injuries linked to alcohol use is estimated to be 59% of all injuries in India. In 1830, Edward Dyer traveled to India and set up the India's first brewery in Kasauli. Karnataka ranks third in the country in ethanol production. India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), Country Liquor, Illicit liquor and Beer are the types of alcoholic beverages available in India.
Highlights
Brewing and drinking of various liquors was developed into an art in ancient India as well as in Karnataka
Beverages are believed to contain ethanol are mentioned in ancient Indian literature dated back to Vedic period around 2000 B
Ancient Indian medical texts described in details the harmful effects of excessive or indiscriminate drinking on the mind and body
Summary
Brewing and drinking of various liquors was developed into an art in ancient India as well as in Karnataka. Two verities of drinks are described soma and sura along with their effects and the harms that might result from excessive consumption. Smritis or sacred texts (like Manusmriti and Yajayavalkyasmriti) consider drinking liquor (sura) was a great sin and forbidden to certain communities (Brahmins, Jains, Veerashaivas). Ancient Indian medical texts described in details the harmful effects of excessive or indiscriminate drinking on the mind and body. States that “to a person who drinks whatever kind comes in hand to him, and whenever he gets an opportunity, this very wine acts as a poison,” Despite the knowledge and availability of alcoholic beverages in India they were never a part of the normal diet in India [5]. Strict rules and guidelines governed who could drink and under what circumstances
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