The history of liquor in India is very old and it evolved under the influence of different cultures and rulers. When we talk about alcohol culture in India, So the question often arises that where did liquor first come to India? Did the Mughal Empire or the British Empire promote the consumption of alcohol in India?, Was liquor promoted in India during the time of Mughals?, Or it increased more during the British rule, Let us know in this article how liquor was promoted in India.
History of liquor in India
The history of alcohol use in India is very old. Various types of liquor have been mentioned in Rigveda, of which Soma, Sauvir, and Madira are prominent. In ancient India, alcohol was consumed in religious rituals, especially as an offering to the gods in the form of Soma Rasa. However, at that time the consumption of alcohol was not that prevalent among the general public. In Indian culture, alcohol consumption was mainly limited to religious rituals and special occasions.
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Arrival of Mughals in India and alcohol
When the Mughal Empire was established in India, So alcohol consumption once again increased in the royal courts. During the Mughal era, alcohol consumption became a part of social status and royal lifestyle. The great ruler Akbar abstained from alcohol, But its consumption was common in his court. Liquor had become a social and cultural symbol in Akbar’s court.
Jahangir, The emperors who became emperors after Akbar were fond of alcohol and made alcohol a special part of their court culture. During his reign, alcohol consumption increased further and it began to be seen as a royal trait. He started the consumption of special varieties of liquor in the Mughal courts and promoted liquor trade in his kingdom. After this, even during the reign of Shahjahan, consumption of alcohol was prevalent in the royal court. By this time, alcohol had become a household item in the homes of a large section of people in India., which only the king can consume,Only upper class people like Maharajas and British used to do it.
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Liquor got a boost during the British rule
The British Empire completely transformed alcohol consumption into a business in India. Alcohol consumption increased during British rule, And this became a common habit among the general public. The British made liquor a trading instrument, From which they got revenue. The British taxed the production and distribution of liquor and made it a major commercial activity.
