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:
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Interesting facts about India you didn’t know about!
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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.
The Rum Rebellion: Down Under and the Bengal
Australia the Penal Colony
The story of Australia’s colonial past begins with its origins as a penal colony of the British Empire. In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip led the First Fleet to establish a convict settlement in New South Wales, marking the beginning of British colonization in Australia. The remote outpost served as a solution to Britain’s overflowing prisons, providing a distant land where convicts could be sent to serve their sentences while also expanding British influence in the Pacific.
Bengal’s Sugar Industry
Meanwhile, across the Indian Ocean, Bengal emerged as a lucrative colony for the British East India Company. With its fertile lands and abundant resources, Bengal became a hub for agricultural production, including sugarcane cultivation. The British colonial administration encouraged the expansion of sugar plantations, viewing them as a profitable venture to supply the growing demand for sugar in Europe and beyond.
Did you know jaggery, a course form of sugar was produced in India from ancient (4000+ years ago) times?
What is Jaggery?
The Rise of Indian Rum: From Sugar to Spirits
As Bengal’s sugar industry flourished under British rule, the surplus sugarcane harvests led to the unintended consequence of a booming rum production. Distilleries sprang up across Bengal, transforming the region into a major producer of Indian rum. The distilled spirit, derived from locally grown sugarcane, gained popularity not only in local markets but also among British settlers in distant colonies, including Australia.
The Rum Trade: The economics
The British colonial administration in Bengal saw the rum trade as an opportunity to further enrich the empire. Ships laden with barrels of Indian rum sailed across the seas, reaching far-flung destinations such as Australia. The profits from the rum trade contributed to the economic prosperity of the British Empire, fueling its expansion and dominance in global trade networks.
The Rum Rebellion
Against this backdrop of economic ambitions and colonial trade, the seeds of discontent were sown in Australia. Governor William Bligh’s attempts to regulate the rum trade, seen as favoring select merchants, ignited tensions among the colony’s military and civilian elite. The ensuing Rum Rebellion of 1808, fueled by grievances over control and profits, saw Bligh’s overthrow by rebellious forces led by influential figures like John MacArthur.
Threads of Colonial History
The Rum Rebellion in Australia and the production of Indian rum in Bengal are chapters in the history of empire, commerce, and rebellion. From the shores of Australia to the fields of Bengal, the echoes of colonial ambitions reverberate through time, reminding us of the complex & painful legacies left by the forces of colonialism.
Sources:
- Marshall, P.J. “Bengal: The British Bridgehead.” Cambridge University Press, 1987.
- Chattopadhyaya, Brajadulal. “A Social History of Early India.” Pearson Education India, 2000.
- Roy, Tirthankar. “The Economic History of India, 1857-1947.” Oxford University Press, 2006.
- Keenan, Catherine. “Rum, Power and Influence: The History of the Rum Trade in Australia and Its Relationship with New South Wales and Van Diemen’s Land, 1788-1839.” University of Tasmania, 2015.
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 Rise of the Indian Cotton Trade
Summary
India has a rich history of the cultivation and trade of cotton, a fabric that has not only shaped its own culture but also influenced civilizations across the world. Let us explore the origin of cotton cultivation in India, the rise of cotton weaving technology, the extent of ancient trade routes, and the enduring impact of Indian cotton on the global textile industry.
Origins of Cotton Cultivation in India
When did cotton cultivation begin in India?
Cotton cultivation in India dates back to around 3000 BCE during the Indus Valley Civilization, roughly 5000 years ago. The region’s favorable climate and fertile land made it ideal for growing cotton, which quickly became a staple crop. Archaeological discoveries, such as cotton fibers found at sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, provide evidence of early cotton use. This period marks the beginning of a long tradition of cotton cultivation that would significantly influence the Indian economy and global trade.
Cotton cultivation in India dates back to roughly 5000 years ago
Wikipedia
Global Context: Cotton in Other Ancient Civilizations
While India stands out for its early and extensive cultivation of cotton, other civilizations around the world also developed their own cotton traditions:
- The Americas: Evidence suggests cotton use in South America as early as 6000 BCE, with distinct species like Gossypium barbadense used to create textiles in Peru by 3000 BCE. This indicates a long history of cotton use, spanning over 8000 years.
- Mesopotamia: Cotton cultivation likely arrived in Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE, with archaeological evidence of spindles and loom weights suggesting textile production. This region, known for its advances in agriculture and trade, adopted cotton relatively early.
- Egypt: Fragments of cotton fabric have been found in Egypt dating back to around 1200 BCE, about 3200 years ago, suggesting its use alongside their well-known linen industry. Egyptian cotton, though not as prevalent as linen, played a role in their textile production.
Rise of Cotton Weaving Technology in Ancient India
What made Indian cotton so famous in ancient times?
Indian cotton was renowned for its high quality, fineness, and the ability to hold intricate dyes. Indian artisans developed superior techniques for processing cotton, including effective methods for separating cotton fibers from seeds. These methods, in use by around 1500 BCE, gave Indian textiles a significant edge over those from other regions.
- Superior Processing Techniques: Indian artisans used tools like the charkha (spinning wheel) to efficiently spin cotton fibers, a technique that was advanced for its time.
- High-Quality Textiles: Indian cotton was prized for its softness, durability, and ability to absorb dyes, resulting in vibrant and intricate patterns. These qualities made Indian textiles highly sought after in global markets.
Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, mentions Indian cotton in the 5th century BCE as “a wool exceeding in beauty and goodness that of sheep”, which suggests that the fiber was not yet known in Greece at the time.[14] When Alexander the Great invaded India, his troops started wearing cotton clothes that were more comfortable than their previous woolen ones.[15] Strabo, another Greek historian, mentioned the vividness of Indian fabrics, and Arrian told of Indian–Arab trade of cotton fabrics in 130 CE.[16]
Wikipedia History of Cotton
History of cotton – Wikipedia
- Innovative Dyeing Techniques: Techniques like block printing and resist dyeing (tie-dye) were perfected in India, allowing for the creation of textiles with complex and colorful designs.
Specialized Textiles
Regional Specialties in Cotton Production
Several regions in India became known for their unique cotton textiles, each developing distinct styles and techniques:
- Gujarat: Known for lightweight and vibrantly colored dhotis and sarees. By around 1000 BCE, Gujarat had established itself as a center for textile production, particularly for its use of bandhani (tie-dye) techniques.
- Andhra Pradesh: Famous for tie-dye techniques and geometric patterns, especially from regions like Machilipatnam, known for its intricate kalamkari (hand-painted) textiles.
- Tamil Nadu: Renowned for delicate muslins and intricate gold thread embroidery. Cities like Kanchipuram and Madurai were hubs of textile production by around 500 BCE, producing fabrics that were both luxurious and highly valued.
Extent of Trade with Other Civilizations
Where was Indian cotton traded in the ancient world?
By around 1000 BCE, India had developed a vast network of trade routes that facilitated the export of its prized cotton textiles:
- Overland Routes: These routes stretched westward, traversing mountain passes and deserts. They reached Mesopotamia, Egypt, and eventually Rome. Merchants likely used a combination of pack animals like camels and donkeys, and carts pulled by oxen or horses, depending on the terrain. These routes were part of what would later be known as the Silk Road.
- Maritime Routes: Indian seafarers navigated the Arabian Sea and beyond, reaching ports in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and East Africa. Their knowledge of monsoons and constellations facilitated long-distance voyages. These routes likely involved sturdy ships capable of carrying large quantities of goods. By around 500 BCE, Indian ships were a common sight in these waters, transporting textiles, spices, and other goods.
Challenges & Triumphs in Cotton Trade
What were the challenges of trading cotton in ancient India?
The journey of Indian cotton across continents faced several challenges:
- Geographical Barriers: Mountain ranges like the Himalayas and vast deserts like the Thar presented significant obstacles for overland trade routes. Seafaring merchants faced challenges like treacherous currents, unpredictable weather patterns, and long journeys across open seas.
- Political Instability: Unrest and regional conflicts in certain areas could disrupt trade routes, endanger merchants and their goods, and impose additional tolls or taxes. Maintaining good relations with local rulers or securing safe passage through these regions was crucial.
- Distance: The sheer distances involved in transporting goods across continents meant long journeys that could last for months. This resulted in risks like spoilage of organic materials, potential loss at sea due to storms or pirates, and the need for careful planning and resupply points along the way.
How did Indian merchants overcome these challenges?
Indian merchants overcame these challenges through:
- Navigation Skills: Sophisticated understanding of monsoons, currents, and constellations enabled them to navigate vast distances with remarkable accuracy.
- Trade Networks: Established networks of intermediaries and trading posts along routes facilitated communication, secure storage, and bartering opportunities.
- Packaging Techniques: Likely used natural materials like woven baskets, treated animal skins, and clay pots, with sealing techniques such as natural resins or beeswax to protect cotton fabrics from damage during long journeys.
- Securing Trade Routes: Employed armed escorts and established treaties and alliances with rulers along trade routes to ensure safe passage and foster cooperation. By around 500 BCE, such measures had become essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of trade routes.
Economic Impact of Cotton in India
How did cotton impact the Indian economy?
Cotton was the lifeblood of the Indian economy, driving innovation and prosperity:
- Job Creation: Provided employment opportunities for countless individuals across various stages of production, from farmers to skilled artisans and merchants. This industry sustained livelihoods for millions and contributed to the social fabric of ancient Indian society.
- Revenue Generation: High demand and value of Indian cotton textiles translated into significant revenue, supporting infrastructure development, the arts and sciences, and maintaining a strong military. Early on, cotton trade had become a major source of wealth for Indian kingdoms.
- Technological Innovation: The need for efficient cotton processing spurred innovation, such as the invention of the cotton gin in 13th-century India (about 800 years ago), significantly speeding up production and potentially influencing future textile advancements.
Archaeological Evidence of Cotton Use in Ancient India
What evidence is there of cotton use in ancient India?
Archaeological evidence includes:
- Harappan Sites: Excavations at sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, dating back to around 3000 BCE, reveal cotton fibers, spindle whorls, and loom weights, providing concrete proof of cotton cultivation and textile production during this period.
- Literary References: Although direct references to cotton in ancient Indian texts are limited, Greek and Roman sources from around the 1st century AD (about 2000 years ago) onwards mention the exceptional quality and high value of Indian textiles, often referred to as “muslins.”
- Trade Records: Indirect evidence from trade records mentions the movement of textiles along established routes. While these records might not explicitly state “cotton,” the high demand for Indian textiles strongly suggests they were a major commodity.
Legacy of Indian Cotton
The legacy of Indian cotton extends far beyond the ancient world:
- Global Textile Influence: Indian cotton textiles played a crucial role in shaping textile traditions throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. From inspiring dyeing techniques in China to influencing garment styles in Rome, Indian cotton’s influence is evident across continents.
- The Rise of Cotton as a Global Commodity: The Columbian Exchange (1492 onwards) introduced cotton cultivation to the Americas on a larger scale, using varieties potentially brought from India or indigenous species. However, Indian cotton remained a highly sought-after commodity for centuries, influencing global trade patterns even after the rise of cotton production in other regions.
Columbian Exchange | Diseases, Animals, & Plants
Learn more about the Columbian Exchange
- The Industrial Revolution and Beyond: The invention of the cotton gin in 18th-century America (around 1793 AD) dramatically increased cotton processing efficiency, leading to a surge in global cotton production. Despite this, Indian cotton continued to be valued for its quality and unique regional specialties. Today, India remains a major producer and exporter of cotton, showcasing its enduring role in the global textile industry.
Cotton gin – Wikipedia
Conclusion
The story of cotton in ancient India is a captivating tale of human ingenuity, innovation, and the power of trade. From the Indus Valley Civilization’s pioneering cultivation around 5000 years ago to the vast network of trade routes that carried Indian cotton across continents, India’s role in shaping the history of this versatile fabric is undeniable. The legacy of Indian cotton lives on in the exquisite textiles produced by regional artisans and in the global textile industry. As we explore the past, the story of Indian cotton serves as a reminder of the inter connectedness of the ancient world and the enduring value of human creativity.
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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