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History of alcohol use in India H.K.Sharma, B.M.Tripathi

Historical perspective: alcohol. Long history : consumption of plant products-cannabis, raw opium

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History of alcohol use in India H.K.Sharma, B.M.Tripathi

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    1. History of alcohol use in India H.K.Sharma, B.M.Tripathi Presenter: H.K.Sharma Ex-Senior Research Officer National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029 Email: harikeshaiims@rediffmail.com

    2. Historical perspective: alcohol Long history : consumption of plant products-cannabis, raw opium & home-brewed low-content alcoholic beverages as tradition. India a subcontinent with a variety of physical & socio-cultural features. Earliest reference to alcohol ( Somras & Sura) traced to year 2000B.C.(Chopra & Chopra,1965).

    3. Stages of Indian Civilization Four stages of Indian civilization based on socio-cultural factors:(Panchndikar,1965) Ancient history to post-vedic period including Buddhism & Jainism Reinterpretation of Vedic norms between 700 & 1200 AD Trends under the Moghul rule in India ( about 1200-1700 AD) Impact of British colonial rule ( about 1800 AD)

    4. Stages of Indian Civilization….. First two stages explores alcohol use broad framework of Hinduism& its offshoots. Third & fourth stages examines impact of Islam (Moghal rule) & British colonial rule

    5. Ancient History to 700 Hinduism stressed abstinence from alcohol ( Puranas, Sutras & Smritis) Folklores & mythology provides interesting accounts Soma & Sura two common beverages Soma experience was of enlightening, creating euphoric states stimulating mind & body ( Chand,1972). Soma consumption restricted to saints & elite of society In spite of remarkable properties of sacred plant (Sarcostemma), fallen into neglect & no mention in post-vedic period.

    6. Ancient History to 700…… Sura a strong beer (produced from rice, jaggery) remained popular . Allowed to warriors ( Kshtariyas) fighting ethos& day-to-day consumption common men. Among Dravidians in south, toddy tapping palm trees, fermented, a common practice. The effects ranged from euphoria to intoxication.

    7. Post-vedic era In post-vedic era, more than 46 references of alcoholic beverages ( Prakash,1961) Drinking was not considered a daily event. Inebriation was severely censured and abstinence was held in high esteem (Chand,1972). Brahmins ( learned men) were forbidden to use alcohol, but members from other varnas were allowed to drink.

    8. Buddhism… Buddhism, another major religion & offshoot from mainstream Hinduism again prohibited drinking by monks and in monasteries. Budha counseled general abstinence from alcohol.

    9. Reinterpretation & Synthesis ( 700-1100) A period of synthesis among Hindus Home-brewed specially was prevalent in considerable section( Prakash,1961). In Sukrantisra tale, wine is described as an art Among warriors permissive attitude towards alcohol continued, with additional acceptance of women’s use during festivity ( Medhtithi,1939)

    10. Impact of Islam (1100-1800) Two processes were observed: The Moguls initially very puritanical in approach to alcohol Wine subsequently remain part of court life, used by courtiers & nobles Poetry of period often alludes dilemma of drinking wine The Hindu society, to handle forcible conversion became rigid to follow Vedic & post Vedic codes. The period saw convergence towards alcohol favoring prohibition

    11. British colonial Rule& Independence (1800-present) British colonial rule had significant impact on alcohol drinking, associated images & acculturation process.

    12. British era…. First Indian brewery set up ( 1805) in Cawnpore ( Kanpur) IMFL by Carew & Co.Ltd. Once brewery was established, protest on part of INC & people, steps were taken to discourage insobriety. 1931, 31 distilleries, 37.0 million liters total alcohol production

    13. Excise Committee (1905) to control any rise in consumption. Its policy was to check rise in alcohol consumption by increasing taxation. The report was the guiding principle in controlling alcohol availability and persists even after independence

    14. British colonial…….. Other developments: During world war I, soldiers and ordinary Indians were introduced to alcoholic beverages. They brought a drinking tradition as a part of fighting ethos. World War II saw, larger mobilization of Indian troops where they acquired alcohol habit. The Indian civil service (ICS) was another opportunity for alcohol to educated Indians.

    15. British colonial…….. During struggle for independence, movement against alcohol drew strength from the leadership. Temperance & prohibition became the key & helped the movement a broad based. The lower echelons of society who were permitted to drink were involved. The women were engaged in picketing of alcohol outlets The focused idealism got prohibition into the Constitution ( Article 47)

    16. Prohibition…… Brief history of prohibition By 1951, the states of Bombay and Madras introduced prohibition (Bombay Prohibition Act,1949; Madras Prohibition act,1937/66 modified). In 1960, Gujrat state came into existence and till this date prohibition is followed. During Janta regime, prohibition became the main plank Recent example : Andhra Pradesh and Haryana where it was implemented but withdrawn after revenue loss & illicit liquor trade

    17. Major drinking patterns Major Drinking Patterns Unlike other cultures, alcohol rarely accepted as a part of normal discourse, eating behaviour or ritualized as part of religion. Still drinking patterns can be categorized as Traditional Drinking Pattern Non-traditional drinking patterns

    18. Classical drinking traditions: Prevail mostly of tribal groups ( 8.8%) of the population Among tribal groups, men & women held alcohol in esteem, product of nature & gift of god, and as food & medicine. Mostly home brewed but distilled beverages introduced with planned economic development. Picking up habit of consuming adulterated arrack, a potent beverage ( Reddy,1971)

    19. Regional drinking patterns Consumption patterns of groups, share special elements distinctive in regional culture For example: green-revolution belt in North India represent relatively ‘wet cultures’(Room,1989) Large amounts of money spent on licit & illicit liquor, celebrations with bottle of liquor , irrespective of caste hierarchy or economic status.

    20. Regional drinking patterns….. The northeast states depicts traditional & modern values and drinking patterns range from complete prohibition in Nagaland to habitual drinking tea plantation workers of Assam. In south intake of arrack ( hard liquor) and toddy is favored by working classes & affluent. Toddy as a restorative, energy giving & fatigue relieving( Tek Chand,1964)

    21. Local drinking patterns Reflects narrower traditions of local groups, two types (i) Ceremonial & ritualistic Ceremonial & Ritualistic occurs on festive occasions in different parts and offerings of alcohol to deities among the lower castes. Use restricted to local blessings & village celebrations. However, alcohol is taboo for gods & men immersed in cosmic concerns,

    22. Local drinking patterns……. (ii) Convivial use : Rare but reported among Rajputs ( Dorchner,1983), alcohol consumption a group ritual with sole aim of becoming inebriated as quickly as possible. However, not confined to a single caste or group but a general accompaniment to celebrations & social occasions

    23. Non-traditional drinking patterns The simultaneous processes of Modernization, Westernization & Sanskirtisation ( a cultural process of social mobility to values of higher castes) paying way for non-traditional drinking patterns. More visible in urban society :affluence irrespective of caste & creed & alcohol mark of hospitality and social status.

    24. Non-traditional drinking patterns….. Led by elites, the nouveaux riches and media, a favorable psychological climate for conservative middle class ( 200 million). Bars, pubs and liquor outlets no longer a stigma, local settings to pursue business & local connections.

    25. Problem indicators: Per-capita consumption index still categorize India as a “dry culture” but absence of normative drinking pattern and tendency to indulge in heavy drinking leads to serious public health consequences. Social & economic consequences are equally significant: every year more than 6 lacs cases are registered under Prohibition Act About 1000 persons died from adulterated liquor, including 10% women. Alcohol leads to one third road traffic accidents

    26. Problem indicators Gender differences in perceptions of alcohol critical in India. Link between violence against women stands out clearly ( Sharma,1996) Often women sufferers take up cudgels against the liquor lobby and inebriated men folk.

    27. Future directions Socio-cultural factors play significant role in alcohol use context Existence of traditional & non-traditional drinking patterns Ambivalent attitudes Need for rationale alcohol policy Action plan : prevention of health risks& harmful social consequences

    28. Thank you

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