Food and Cuisine in Mughal India

A Historical Analysis

Abstract

This article focuses on food culture and food consumption in the creation of Mughal cultural Heritage in the south asia and shows how food consumption incorporates many aspects of the historical and cultural development in South Asia. The Mughal period was very significant from the gastronomical aspect in India. Mughals had introduced many dishes that enhance food availability and also created class divisions in the society.There were different varieties of food, such as royal food, commoners food, festive foods, ceremonial food, etc. which created distinct identity based on the consumption culture in Mughal India. This research also explores regional cuisine that gained importance with the emergence of regional powers in India.Lastly the paper examines the food culture of Mughals from a historical perspective by analysing the transformation and redefinition of gastronomy. The role and contributions of food to the formation of cultural heritage will also be examined.