India’s ancient food history is set to be explored at the National Museum in New Delhi through a distinctive exhibition titled “Historical Gastronomica – The Indus Dining Experience.” Scheduled between 19th and 25th February, 2020, this exhibition is a collaborative effort between the National Museum and One Station Million Stories (OSMS). This event promises a deep dive into the country’s gastronomic past based on extensive archaeological research, interpretation of museum artefacts, and storytelling.
About the Organizers
The National Museum operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture, while One Station Million Stories is a Delhi-based organization that specializes in using technical research for storytelling. Together, these two organizations are set to bring history alive with a gustatory exploration of ancient India.
The Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition at the National Museum includes an illustrative journey through man’s culinary history, starting from the early evolutionary stages and concluding with the Indus-Saraswati Civilization. Visitors can go on a gallery walk to examine the use of Harappan pottery and artefacts.
Additionally, the exhibition presents opportunities for food tasting, whereby visitors can sample finger-foods and dine on meals inspired by ancient practices. A highlight of the exhibition is a model of a Late Harappan Kitchen along with several other specially designed exhibits created by OSMS.
UNESCO Recognition for India’s Gastronomy
In a significant milestone for the country’s rich culinary heritage, UNESCO’s network of creative cities has recently recognized Hyderabad as a creative city of gastronomy.
Mysteries of the Indus Valley Civilization
Commonly referred to as the Harappan Civilization, Indus Valley civilization flourished around 2,500 BC, in the western part of South Asia, specifically in contemporary Pakistan and Western India. The Indus Valley was home to the largest of the four ancient urban civilizations, which also included Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China.
The Archaeological Department of India had unearthed ruins of the two old cities, Mohenjodaro and Harappa during Excavations in the Indus valley in the 1920s. The Harappans were well-acquainted with the manufacturing and use of Bronze.
Food Supply in Harappan Villages
Most Harappan villages were situated near the flood plains and produced an ample supply of foodgrains. Their primary produce included wheat, barley, rai, peas, sesame, lentil, chickpea, and mustard.
The “Historical Gastronomica – The Indus Dining Experience” exhibition is a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate India’s rich gastronomical history while showcasing India’s contribution to global civilization and food heritage.
