Drinking in Ancient India

by Dr. Jyotsna Kamat
First Online: August 16, 2000
Last Updated: February 17, 2024

Introduction to Drinking in Ancient India

Brewing and drinking of various liquors was developed into an art in ancient India, although the Smrutis (sacred texts)  considered consuming alcohol (sura) as a great sin. Dr. Kamat presented a paper on drinking habits of ancient and medieval southern Indians (Drinking in Ancient Karnataka) at the  Karnataka History Academy Conference held at Hampi 8th July - 10th July 2000.

We have added pictures of drinking bouts from other parts of India for this Internet presentation.
--Ed.

 

Drinking of Alcoholic Beverages in Ancient and Medieval India

• Bottoms up!
• The Connoisseur Wining his Mate
• Demons Engaged in a Feast
• A drink transforms him into a philosopher!
• A drinking scene from Ajanta Fresco
• Drinking Couple -- Sculpture from a Stupa in Sanchi
• Drinking in Ancient Karnataka
• Drunken Monk
• Enhancement of Intimacy through a Drink
• "Have One More Sip!"
• A Lady Carrying Toddy (homemade wine) in an Earthen Pot
• Lady with a Drinking Bowl
• Man Offering a Drink to his Partner
• Men Enjoying Wine and Women
• Seductress with a wine glass
• A Servant Serving Wine to Lovers
• "She had a drink too much!"
• Tapping Toddy from a Palm Tree
• Toddy (home-made wine) being loaded in a leather pouch
• Wining the Woman
• Women chatting over a bowl of alcohol

See Also:

• Drinking Couple from a Stupa at Sanchi
• India in India Ink 
• Search for more pictures of drinking scenes as found in sculptures, ancient texts at Kamat PICTURESearch
• Topics on Indian Food