Article 16 – Origin Of Spices

History and Origin of Spices in India      

Spices have been closely connected to magic, cultural traditions, preservation, medicine and embalming since early human history. Spices were a key component of India’s external trade with Mesopotamia, China, Sumeria, Egypt and Arabia, along with perfumes and textiles – as far back as 7000 years ago – much before the Greek and Roman civilizations.

As can be seen below, spices played a key role in shaping the course of world history.

The clove finds a mention in the Ramayana – as well as in writings dating back to the Roman Empire in the 1^stcentury AD. Caravans of camels moved regularly from Calicut, Goa and the Orient in ancient times to transport these spices to distant destinations such as Carthage, Alexandria and Rome .

While these spices are readily available today, there was a time when people risked their lives to gain access to Indian spices. From the Indian perspective, it brought in traders and invaders alike – century after century.

By

Nehil Sriram, VIII C

Love Dale Central School