Modern Indian Food in Western World

Dominance in the world is based on the might of military power. Hence, in changing global political economy, 

the culture is still a kind of means to influence people to get accustomed with different ideas, behaviour and enjoyment. Food is one of the important element of a culture. It defines health, habits, expressions and behaviour of a society. The food industry is worth of $4.8 trillion according to the Forbes. This is the largest industry in the world. So food behaviours and patterns are very important in modern hugely mixed multicultural economies in treating each other's culture. 

Indian Foods become very popular after the decolonisation period and massive influx of Indian population in the Western World during 1950s and 1960s due to the demands of post war recovery and reconstruction.

The history of Indian Foods are quite old and evolved throughout different stages. Due to its beauty and resources, India always attracted by foreign intruders like the Central Asians (Mongols), the Arabs, the Persians and the Europeans. Mixed with local herbs and spices the Indian foods become a subject of experiment during the Mughal and subsequently in British Colonial period. 

About Indian Mughal food practices Preet Kaur wrote, 'The Mughal Emperors impressed courtiers, nobles, foreign guests and dignitaries at their dining table. The menu, finalised by thehakim (royal physician), would consist of about 100 dishes, each prepared by one cook. Diners took their place on the ground, atop rich carpets laid with protective white sheets. The centrepiece of the imperial spread was usually a dish of rice cooked with ghee, spices and meat: the pilaf. This was accompanied by a huge variety of game bird, fish, lamb, venison and beef cooked in different styles. After their meals, they rinsed their hands with perfumed water poured from jugs held by servants'. 'Mughal cuisine was strongly influenced by the Persian cuisine of Iran, which featured dried fruits and nuts, ingredients commonly used by imperial cooks in meat and rice dishes. In fact, under the Mughals, fruit was not merely a food product. It was a symbol of sophistication and their elevated position in society. At the time of the Mughal rule, fruits and nuts were thought of as incredibly opulent and luxurious. Hence, a gift of fruits was a sign diplomacy and even a matter of protocol'.

In subsequent posts we will discuss about the different Indian popular recipes and its history and evolution.