highlights
‘Maharani Mahansar Shahi Gulab’ is known as the royal wine of Rajasthan.
In common parlance, it is called grandfather’s-great-grandfather’s liquor.
After preparation, the special color of this royal liquor becomes brighter.
Maharani Mahansar Shahi Gulab: In India, drinking and serving alcohol is called a royal or royal hobby. An example of this is ‘Maharani Mahansar Shahi Rose’. It is known as the royal liquor of Rajasthan. This is a liquor whose history is linked to the royal families of Rajasthan. Kings and Maharajas used to drink it. Its taste is also really amazing. In common parlance, it is called grandfather’s-great-grandfather’s liquor. In Rajasthan, ‘Maharani Mahansar Shahi Gulab’ has got the status of heritage liquor (Rajasthan Heritage Liquor).
250 years old history
It is about the 18th century. At that time in Rajasthan, kings and emperors used to make different liquors to fulfill their desires. Raja Karni Singh of Mahansar royal family of Shekhawati area was also one of them. Karni Singh, after talking to the sages, prepared the formula of about 50 types of liquor using herbs. Mahansar Fort was built in 1768. People there used to drink this liquor, but at that time it was called ‘Rajwadi Daru’. This liquor was mostly consumed in the fort only. Later its name became ‘Maharani Mahansar Shahi Gulab’.
How is Maharani Shahi Rose prepared?
Maharani Mahansar is a grain based liquor. Damask rose is used to make it. The roses used in this are brought from Pushkar in Ajmer district. Because the best quality damask roses are available there. Roses are plucked in the morning and prepared by evening. After that the process of fermentation starts. The process of fermentation takes about five to 15 days. During this, dry fruits and various types of spices are soaked. After that it is distilled thrice in a special type of vessel made of copper. After preparation, the special color of this royal liquor becomes brighter. It is pink in colour.
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Heritage Liquor Bill came in 1998
The government banned it after independence. When the country became independent, the government banned heritage liquor. The ban remained in effect until 1997. But then in 1998, the Rajasthan government again brought the Heritage Liquor Bill so that the secret of making India’s historical liquor could be saved. In the year 2003, Rajendra Singh Shekhawat started Shekhawati Heritage Herbal Private Limited. The biggest revolutionary step in bringing heritage liquor to the masses was when in 2016, the Excise Department of Rajasthan gave approval to Shekhawati Heritage Herbal Private Limited to set up a copper-based heritage liquor manufacturing unit in Churu district, about 60 km from Mahansar. . After that, heritage liquor started being supplied again not only in India but all over the world.
There are five types of flavors
Maharani is available in five flavors in Mahansar market, which include Mint, Somers etc. But Shahi Gulab flavor is more popular. Despite being a heritage liquor, the price of ‘Maharani Mahansar Shahi Gulab’ is not high. A 750ml bottle costs you around Rs 1000 to Rs 1200 in Rajasthan. There may be some difference in other states.
The reason for its low price is that the Rajasthan government gives a lot of subsidy on it. Excise duty etc. is also not imposed. So that, this royal liquor can be saved. It contains 35.7 percent alcohol. Also know that it is not consumed like other liquors. If you pour just 30 ml in the glass, the entire room will be filled with the scent of roses. This liquor tastes like sherbet.
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FIRST PUBLISHED: February 15, 2024, 16:22 IST