By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
What’s a Desi?
The term “desi” is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word “Desi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “desh,” which means “country” or “region” or “homeland”. (‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Desh’? What is Sanskrit?)
Did you ever wonder:
What is Indian culture like? Learn more!
Interesting facts about India you didn’t know about!
Explore Indian customs.
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
Southern Spices
What about Southern Masalas?
South Indian cuisine also uses a variety of spice blends or masalas, but they are different from the garam masala used in Northern Indian cuisine. Here are some examples of South Indian masalas or spice blends used – and their usage varies and can be quite different than how garam masala is used in other cuisines:
Sambar powder – A mix of spices used with lentils:
This is a spice blend used to make sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew that is a staple in South Indian cuisine.
The blend typically includes coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, dried red chilies, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves.
Sambar powder varies from region to region, and can be made with different proportions of these ingredients. This blend of spices comes to life only when it’s added to cooked yellow lentils or toor dal and a medley of seasonal vegetables.
This dish is a daily staple is usually a part of breakfast (served with Idli, Dosa, Vada, Pongal etc.) and lunch (with rice of course) in most South Indian states like – Kerala, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Click here to try some sambar or sambhar powder (try the MTR brand they are famous) and here for yellow lentils or toor dal. If you just want to get a mix with the sambhar powder and some lentils in it – check this out.
Rasam Powder – a mix of spices for tomato or tamarind:
This is a spice blend used to make rasam, a tangy South Indian soup like preparation (and eaten with rice) that is often served as a palate cleanser between courses. The blend typically includes coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, dried red chilies, mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves.
Rasam powder can also vary from region to region. Rasam is made with either boiling a lot of tomatoes or some tamarind paste (pulp removed) to add the tanginess after the rasam powder is added and sauted. (The mix packets will have instructions)
Check out these Mixes. (try the MTR can’t go wrong with them)
And there are more of course. We are not done yet 🙂
Bisi bele bath powder – a mix for spicy lentil rice:
Bath is not a place in the UK or somewhere to bathe – bath means rice in Kannada (Spoken in Karnataka) and Marathi (Spoken in Maharashtra) Now you know the word for rice in two languages.
And Bisi is hot since it’s served hot, and Bele means lentils – both words are from Kannada.
This is a spice blend used to make bisi bele bath, a rice dish that is popular in Karnataka. The blend typically includes coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and dry red chilies.
The masala or powdered mix needs to be added to yellow lentils (after the lentils are cooked) and then this spicy mix is added to hot steaming rice and mixed.
Try one of these Bisibele bath powders and check here if you want some yellow lentils or toor dal.
Chettinadu masala – A mix of spices from chettinad:
This is a spice blend used in Chettinadu cuisine, which comes from the Chettinadu region of Tamil Nadu. It typically includes dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and star anise. Chettinadu masala is known for its spicy and aromatic flavor.
Try some Chettinadu masala when you make some chicken.
These are just a few examples of the many different spice blends used in South Indian cuisine. The exact blend of spices used can vary depending on the region and the cook, but they are all important for adding flavor and complexity to South Indian dishes.
Diabetes & Desis
The Historical Link Between British Colonialism and Diabetes in Indians
Did you know that India’s diabetes problem has roots deeper than just diet or genetics? There’s an unexpected historical culprit lurking behind this health crisis: British colonialism. Yes, British rule over the Indian subcontinent didn’t just reshape its politics and economy—it also left a lasting impact on the health of generations of Indians. Let’s explore how the shadow of colonialism, through famines and epigenetic changes, continues to affect the health of Indians today.
A Shocking Surge in Major Famines under the British
During British colonial rule, India faced an unprecedented rise in famines. While droughts were always a risk, British policies turned them into disasters. Between 1858 and 1947, the period known as the British Raj, millions of lives were lost to starvation. The colonizers were more concerned with exporting resources than feeding the local population.
Take the Great Famine of 1876-1878 as an example—it ravaged southern India, claiming an estimated 5 to 11 million lives. Another horrifying example is the Bengal Famine of 1943, during which over 3 million people perished due to severe malnutrition. And here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just natural droughts causing this. British policies played a huge role(The Daily Star)(YouTube).
British Policies and the Famine Tragedies
One of the most shocking aspects is that British policies during World War II made things worse. When India pleaded for emergency food supplies, Winston Churchill’s government diverted essential resources to fuel the war effort, leaving millions to starve. Imagine this: while India was facing famine, rice continued to be exported from the country!
Timeline of major famines in India during British rule – Wikipedia
In fact, a study published in Global and Planetary Change shows that before British rule, there were 0.84 famines per century, but during the British Raj, that number skyrocketed to 2.83 famines per century—a 236% increase (The Daily Star).
Epigenetics and Starvation Adaptation
Now, this is where things get even more interesting. Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors, like famine, affect gene expression. Essentially, the trauma of these famines left an imprint on Indian DNA. The result? Indian bodies adapted to conserve energy in times of scarcity, which made them more efficient at storing fat. While this was a survival mechanism back then, it now makes Indians more susceptible to modern diseases like type 2 diabetes (Sputnik India).
Surviving even just one famine has a multi-generational effect. Studies show that individuals who lived through famines passed on genetic traits that increased the risk of diabetes in their descendants (Sputnik India).
Survival Adaptations and Diabetes Risk
So, how does this work? When the body is adapted to survive on minimal food, it holds onto energy—think of it as your body going into “survival mode.” But in today’s world of food abundance, this adaptation can be harmful. Indians, who are genetically wired to store energy efficiently, now struggle with high blood sugar levels, leading to a higher risk of diabetes. It’s like the body is still preparing for the next famine that never comes (The Daily Star)(Sputnik India).
The Modern Challenge
Fast forward to today, and we see a strange mismatch. While food scarcity is no longer a widespread issue, the genetic adaptation to starvation still exists in Indian populations. And with two-thirds of packaged foods containing added sugar, it’s no wonder that diabetes rates are soaring. Indians are now facing a double-edged sword: genetic predisposition combined with modern dietary habits that work against them (Sputnik India).
Lifestyle Choices & Decolonizing Health Research
Now, while we can’t change our genetic makeup, there are steps Indians can take to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. One promising solution is to revisit traditional health practices like Ayurveda, yoga, and holistic diets. These time-tested methods emphasize balance and can help manage health risks.
It’s also crucial to decolonize health research. The unique health needs of diverse ethnicities like South Asians need to be acknowledged in modern medicine. The rise in diabetes calls for culturally sensitive approaches to health advice, especially in light of rising insulin costs (Sputnik India).
Lasting Genetic Legacy of Famines
The legacy of British colonialism in India goes beyond politics—it’s embedded in the very DNA of the population. The famines caused by colonial policies have left a genetic footprint that increases the risk of diabetes in Indians today. But with the right understanding of history, epigenetics, and a return to balanced, traditional lifestyles, Indians can work toward reducing this burden.
It’s a journey deeply rooted in the past, but with hope for a healthier future.
FAQs
1. How did British colonialism contribute to diabetes in India?
- British policies led to severe famines, which caused genetic adaptations that make Indians more prone to diabetes today.
2. What is the epigenetic link between famines and diabetes?
- The experience of starvation during famines altered gene expression in survivors, making them and their descendants more efficient at storing fat, which increases diabetes risk.
3. How many people died in the Bengal Famine of 1943?
- Over 3 million people died due to malnutrition during the Bengal Famine, exacerbated by British wartime policies.
4. Can traditional Indian health practices help manage diabetes?
- Yes, practices like Ayurveda and yoga promote balance and can help manage the risk of type 2 diabetes by focusing on holistic health.
5. Why are South Asians more prone to diabetes?
- Genetic factors stemming from historical famines, coupled with modern diets high in sugar, contribute to the higher rates of diabetes among South Asians.
6. What can be done to reduce the risk of diabetes in Indians?
- Embracing a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and revisiting traditional health practices can help mitigate the risk.
Sources:
How British colonialism increased diabetes in south Asians
How History Still Weighs Heavy On South Asian Bodies Today
Davis, Mike. “Late Victorian Holocausts: El Niño Famines and the Making of the Third World.” Verso, 2001. In his book – Davis argues that the El Niño famines that occurred in India, China, and Brazil in the late 19th century were not simply natural disasters, but were also caused by British imperialism and capitalist globalization. He shows how British colonial policies, such as land taxes and the export of food, made it difficult for people to cope with the famines.
Basu, S. (2016). ‘Bengal Tiger and British Lion: An Account of the Bengal Famine of 1943.’ The Journal of Peasant Studies, 43(2), 413-441.
Ramachandran, A., et al. (2010). ‘Increased incidence of gestational diabetes with increasing age in the Chennai Urban Population: Results of a 13 year study.’ Diabetologia, 53(9), 1907-1914.
A Spicy Business!
Spices were big business back in the day! And business was booming. We are talking about ancient times here, not like a few years ago. Read below to learn all about the ancient spice trade and how far and wide the Indian spices were in demand. Once you read this – it should become clear why everyone wanted to get a clear trade route to get the spices and control the routes and the trade of spices! You could say things got spicy as more people wanted a lion’s share of the spice business.
Trade with Ancient Rome
There is evidence that the Romans had trade relations with India as early as the 1st century BCE, as documented in the writings of the Roman historian Pliny the Elder.
Pepper and ginger grow wild in their country, yet here we buy them by weight, using so much gold and silver!
Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder was a Roman author and naturalist who lived during the 1st century AD. In his work “Naturalis Historia,” he wrote extensively about the trade between Rome and India. He described the Indian Ocean as “the most peaceful of all seas” and wrote about the trade winds that facilitated travel between India and the Red Sea.
Pliny also wrote about the high value of Indian spices and the Roman empire’s demand for them. He noted that the Romans had to pay in gold and silver to acquire Indian spices, which were highly prized for their taste and medicinal properties.
He also wrote about Indian textiles, pearls, and precious stones that were highly prized by the Romans.
The Roman trade with India was primarily conducted by Indian merchants who traveled by sea along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes
Historical accounts of 2000+ years ago
Pliny’s accounts provide valuable insight into the economic and cultural exchange between Rome and India during the ancient period.
According to historical accounts, the Roman trade with India was primarily conducted by Indian merchants who traveled by sea along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes. The trade was driven by a demand for spices and other luxury goods that were not available in the Mediterranean region.
Some notable examples of Roman figures who were known to have been interested in spices and Indian goods include Julius Caesar, who is said to have been a fan of Indian pepper, and Cleopatra, who was known to have imported large quantities of spices into Egypt.
The Roman trade with India is believed to have continued for several centuries, although the exact duration of the trading partnership is not known. Indian spices and other goods were highly sought after in Rome, and the trade was likely a major source of income for Indian merchants.
In terms of the goods that were imported from India to Italy and Greece, spices were certainly among the most highly valued items. Other Indian goods that were popular in Rome included textiles, ivory, and precious stones.
It is not clear what the Indians were taking back from Italy and Greece, as there are few records of the goods that were exported from Rome to India during this period. However, it is likely that the Romans would have exported a range of goods to India, including metals, wine, and olive oil, which were highly prized in the Mediterranean region.
Trade with Ancient Greeks
There is evidence of trade between ancient Greeks and Indians, particularly in the Hellenistic period (323 BCE-31 BCE) when Alexander the Great’s conquests brought the Greeks in contact with various Indian kingdoms.
The Greeks were interested in Indian goods such as textiles, precious stones, ivory, and spices, and Indian exports to Greece included goods such as indigo, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. The Greek historian Megasthenes, who lived in India during the 4th century BCE, wrote about the Indian exports in his book “Indika.” Greek historian Strabo also mentioned Indian spices in his work “Geographica,” describing their uses in cooking and medicine.
The Greeks also exported their own goods to India, such as wine, olive oil, and textiles. Some Greek colonies were established in northwest India, and archaeological evidence suggests that there was trade between the two regions, with Greek coins and pottery found in India and Indian goods found in Greek settlements.
The Greek-Indian trade relationship was not as significant as the Roman-Indian trade, but there is evidence of cultural and economic exchange between the two regions.
Trade with Ancient Egypt
There is evidence of trade between India and Egypt dating back to ancient times. The Egyptians were known to trade with India for spices, aromatic woods, textiles, and other luxury goods. The ancient Egyptians were also known to have used Indian spices in their embalming practices.
Archaeological excavations at several sites in Egypt have revealed the presence of Indian spices, including black pepper, ginger, and cardamom, which were imported from India. These spices were highly prized by the Egyptians, who used them not only for culinary purposes but also for medicinal and religious purposes.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence for Indian-Egyptian trade is the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a Greek manuscript that dates back to the 1st century CE. The Periplus describes the trade routes between India and the Red Sea, and provides a detailed account of the commodities traded between India and Egypt, including spices, precious stones, ivory, and textiles.
In addition, several ancient Egyptian texts and inscriptions have been found that mention the importation of Indian spices. For example, the temple of Kom Ombo, which dates back to the Ptolemaic era, contains a relief that depicts the transport of Indian spices, including cinnamon and cassia, from the Red Sea to the temple.
Records or artifacts from those times
There have been several archaeological findings that indicate the trade relationship between India and the ancient Roman and Greek civilizations.
One example of such a finding is the discovery of Roman coins in India, particularly in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These coins, dating back to the 1st century BCE, suggest that Roman traders were present in India during that time.
Another important archaeological discovery is the ancient port of Muziris, located in present-day Kerala, which was a major trading center for the Romans and Greeks. Excavations at the site have uncovered several artifacts, including amphorae (a type of container used to transport goods), pottery, and coins, all of which point to a thriving trade relationship between India and the ancient world.
Additionally, the discovery of a Roman glass bowl in Pompeii, Italy, that was made in India is further evidence of the trade relationship between the two civilizations.
In terms of written records, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus mentions the trade relationship between India and the Greeks in his writings, specifically in his book “The Histories.” He writes about the various goods that were traded, including spices, textiles, and precious stones.
Coins from India, Egypt, Greece and Rome
Coins from ancient India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome provide evidence of trade between these regions. For example, Indian coins from the Kushan period (1st-3rd centuries CE) have been found in archaeological excavations in Egypt, suggesting that there was direct trade between the two regions during this time.
Similarly, Greek coins have been found in archaeological sites in India, particularly in the northwestern region, which was once part of the Hellenistic world. These coins indicate that there was some level of trade and exchange between the two regions during the Hellenistic period (4th-1st centuries BCE).
Coins from the Roman period also provide evidence of trade with India. Roman coins have been found in southern India, particularly in the region of Tamil Nadu. These coins suggest that there was direct trade between Rome and India during the early centuries CE, with Indian spices being one of the major commodities exchanged.
The symbols and inscriptions on these coins also provide insights into the political and economic conditions of these regions at the time. For example, some Indian coins from the Kushan period depict rulers such as Kanishka and Vasudeva, who were known for their patronage of Buddhism and the arts.
There is no direct evidence on the costs of spices in these regions at the time, as there are no surviving records or accounts of the prices.
However, we can infer from the fact that spices were traded over long distances that they were valuable commodities that commanded a high price in these regions. It is likely that spices were exchanged for other goods, such as precious metals, textiles, and other luxury items, or simply being directly purchased with gold or silver.
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names – a play on the word Hollywood).
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