Despite the many differences of religion, caste, community and class, there are common factors in Indian Food

Despite the many differences of religion, caste, community and class, there are common factors in Indian Food. The basic part of an Indian meal is a grain (rice, wheat, millet or maize, depending on the region). This is usually eaten with lentils or pulses (dal), vegetables and savory pickles or chutneys. Dishes of fish, meat or poultry may be added. The lentils, vegetables and other dishes will be always be seasoned with spices which add to the taste of the food and also have medicinal values which were recorded in religious texts up to three thousand years ago. Cuisine in southern India includes coconut and bananas, rice, pepper, cardamom, turmeric, ginger and other spices. Cooking and eating Indian cuisine is a discovery of the culture, the history and the spices of this fascinating land. Curry is a favorite food in India.

The major religions of India also influence the diet. Buddhist, Hindus, and Jains are against killing of any animal. Muslims don’t eat pork. Many Indians are vegetarians (people who don’t eat meat, only fruits and vegetables), but most Indians don’t eat beef, especially from the sacred cow.

King Asoka (304-232 BC) was third king of the Mauryan dynasty and is regarded by many as the most exemplary (is the best example of a good) ruler of the ancient world. The texts, which follow, are excerpts (short parts) from his “Rock Edicts” which were inscribed on (cut into) stone pillars to make them public. It shows the respect for animals. In the past kings used to go out on pleasure tours during which there was hunting and other entertainment. Formerly (in the past), hundreds of thousands of animals were killed every day to make curry. Chicken, fish and lamb are most common meats for those who do eat meat today.