Millets in India: exploring historical significance, cultural heritage and ethnic foods

Abstract This review paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical significance of millets in India, their role in preserving cultural heritage and embodiment in a diverse array of ethnic foods. In-depth online literature searches were conducted to assess the data, and the information w...

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Main Authors: Ankita, Upasna Seth
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Ethnic Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-024-00262-2
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author Ankita
Upasna Seth
author_facet Ankita
Upasna Seth
author_sort Ankita
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This review paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical significance of millets in India, their role in preserving cultural heritage and embodiment in a diverse array of ethnic foods. In-depth online literature searches were conducted to assess the data, and the information was retrieved from official government reports, journals and books. The study explores the archaeological evidence and historical records of millet cultivation in India, highlighting their importance in Vedic era, ancient civilizations and Mughal rule. Studies showed a diversity of cultures in India and the importance of millets in religious ceremonies, festivals, literature, and folklore, showcasing their deep-rooted presence in Indian traditions. Further, the inclusion of millets in various ethnic dishes of different states demonstrates the diverse culinary applications of millets in India. Recent processing technologies for millet need to be studied for producing various millet-based food products. Additionally, the paper briefly discusses the challenges of millet consumption and promotion in India along with its future prospects. The study suggests that promoting millets and reviving traditional millet-based ethnic food and cultural practices can help preserve India’s rich heritage.
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institution Kabale University
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language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
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series Journal of Ethnic Foods
spelling doaj-art-5a7f97b4b617416f91d263cb20b350ec2025-01-05T12:50:13ZengBMCJournal of Ethnic Foods2352-619X2025-01-0112111510.1186/s42779-024-00262-2Millets in India: exploring historical significance, cultural heritage and ethnic foodsAnkita0Upasna Seth1Department of Home Science, University of DelhiDepartment of Food Technology, Aditi Mahavidyalaya College, University of DelhiAbstract This review paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical significance of millets in India, their role in preserving cultural heritage and embodiment in a diverse array of ethnic foods. In-depth online literature searches were conducted to assess the data, and the information was retrieved from official government reports, journals and books. The study explores the archaeological evidence and historical records of millet cultivation in India, highlighting their importance in Vedic era, ancient civilizations and Mughal rule. Studies showed a diversity of cultures in India and the importance of millets in religious ceremonies, festivals, literature, and folklore, showcasing their deep-rooted presence in Indian traditions. Further, the inclusion of millets in various ethnic dishes of different states demonstrates the diverse culinary applications of millets in India. Recent processing technologies for millet need to be studied for producing various millet-based food products. Additionally, the paper briefly discusses the challenges of millet consumption and promotion in India along with its future prospects. The study suggests that promoting millets and reviving traditional millet-based ethnic food and cultural practices can help preserve India’s rich heritage.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-024-00262-2MilletsHistorical significanceEthnic foodsCultural heritageProcessing technologies
spellingShingle Ankita
Upasna Seth
Millets in India: exploring historical significance, cultural heritage and ethnic foods
Journal of Ethnic Foods
Millets
Historical significance
Ethnic foods
Cultural heritage
Processing technologies
title Millets in India: exploring historical significance, cultural heritage and ethnic foods
title_full Millets in India: exploring historical significance, cultural heritage and ethnic foods
title_fullStr Millets in India: exploring historical significance, cultural heritage and ethnic foods
title_full_unstemmed Millets in India: exploring historical significance, cultural heritage and ethnic foods
title_short Millets in India: exploring historical significance, cultural heritage and ethnic foods
title_sort millets in india exploring historical significance cultural heritage and ethnic foods
topic Millets
Historical significance
Ethnic foods
Cultural heritage
Processing technologies
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-024-00262-2
work_keys_str_mv AT ankita milletsinindiaexploringhistoricalsignificanceculturalheritageandethnicfoods
AT upasnaseth milletsinindiaexploringhistoricalsignificanceculturalheritageandethnicfoods