Hyderabad: Eminent Historian Prof. R. Mahalakshmi Delivers a Captivating Talk on ‘Annam Brahmopasate’ at GITAM
The GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHS), Hyderabad, had the honor of hosting Prof. R. Mahalakshmi, esteemed scholar from the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, for an insightful invited talk on ‘Annam Brahmopasate’.
Prof. Mahalakshmi’s lecture delved into the fascinating histories of food, exploring its intersections with class, gender, and socio-cultural dynamics. Drawing from Tamil, Sanskrit, and Pali sources, she examined how food is procured, who has access to it, and the profound ways in which it shapes culture and identity.
She emphasized that food is far more than mere sustenance—it mediates, divides, unites, and enables coexistence. Regional variations in cuisine reflect both diversity and continuity, with distinct styles of preparation and consumption evolving over time. Contrary to the notion of food traditions as static and unchanging, she underscored how culinary practices are constantly influenced by external interactions, both within and beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Prof. Mahalakshmi highlighted the deep symbolic and philosophical dimensions of food. She referenced classical Sanskrit texts, such as the Upanishads and the Natyashastra, to illustrate how food has been used as an analogy for complex philosophical ideas. Citing Bharatamuni’s Natyashastra, she noted that taste is not just a sensory experience but a nuanced interplay of emotions and meanings.
Discussing historical culinary texts like the Manasollasa and the Yajnavalkya Smriti, she provided compelling insights into ancient Indian recipes and ritualistic food practices. She described references to ‘palav’—rice cooked with various meats—and rituals like the Ashwamedha, where food preparation held deep ceremonial significance.
In her concluding remarks, Prof. Mahalakshmi reflected on the evolving perceptions of food, particularly in the modern era, where greater access to food coexists with rising inequalities and conflicts surrounding consumption practices. She emphasized that as historians, it is imperative to bring forth the diverse narratives of food history, not only to understand the past but also to shape conversations about the present and the future.
The lecture was met with keen interest from students and faculty, sparking thought-provoking discussions on the cultural, historical, and philosophical significance of food.
