From dal-bhaat to tea, papad enhances the flavor of almost every meal. But have you ever wondered how old this small yet delicious snack truly is? Believe it or not, the origins of papad date back approximately 2,500 years. According to some historians, papad was born in India, where people would grind pulses, dry them, and create thin pieces that were later fried to make the crispy delight we know today. Let’s explore some interesting facts about the history of papad and its journey through time.
The ancient story of papad
Did you know that the papad you enjoy today has been around for thousands of years? Yes, the history of papad stretches back roughly 2,500 years, with mentions found in ancient Buddhist and Jain texts. Food historian K.T. Achaya, in his book A Historical Dictionary of Indian Food, revealed that ancient people used to make papad from urad dal, lentils, and gram dal. These pulses were ground, mixed with spices, and then dried to make the papads that have become a staple in Indian households today.
Papad in ancient India
The history of papad in India is particularly interesting, as it dates back around 1,500 years in documented history. The first mention of papad can be found in Jain literature, pointing to its roots in the Jain community of Marwar. According to a report, Jain travelers would often carry papad with them because it was light, tasty, and easy to transport. This portability made papad an essential snack for people on the go.
The result of women’s hard work
For centuries, the process of making papad was a community effort, often led by women. Imagine a time when women would gather in homes, spending hours grinding fresh pulses, adding spices, and drying papads with care and patience. This tradition is still alive in many rural villages today. Papad is not only a beloved food item in Indian households but also a source of livelihood for many. The success story of papad is deeply intertwined with the hard work of countless women who have contributed to its production over the ages.
One papad that changed many lives
One of the most inspiring stories related to papad is the foundation of Lijjat Papad. In 1959, seven Gujarati women came together to start a small business making papad. Not only did they create a delicious product, but they also laid the foundation for a strong cooperative organisation. Today, Lijjat Papad is one of the largest papad manufacturers in India, providing employment to thousands of women. One of the founding members, Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat, was honored with the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution. Lijjat Papad continues to empower women and help them become financially independent.
From its humble beginnings over 2,500 years ago to its role in empowering women today, papad has a rich and fascinating history. It has evolved from being a simple, travel-friendly snack to an essential part of Indian cuisine and a symbol of hard work and entrepreneurship. So, the next time you enjoy papad with your meal, remember that it’s not just a crunchy treat—it’s a piece of history.
The ancient story of papad
Did you know that the papad you enjoy today has been around for thousands of years? Yes, the history of papad stretches back roughly 2,500 years, with mentions found in ancient Buddhist and Jain texts. Food historian K.T. Achaya, in his book A Historical Dictionary of Indian Food, revealed that ancient people used to make papad from urad dal, lentils, and gram dal. These pulses were ground, mixed with spices, and then dried to make the papads that have become a staple in Indian households today.
Papad in ancient India
The history of papad in India is particularly interesting, as it dates back around 1,500 years in documented history. The first mention of papad can be found in Jain literature, pointing to its roots in the Jain community of Marwar. According to a report, Jain travelers would often carry papad with them because it was light, tasty, and easy to transport. This portability made papad an essential snack for people on the go.
The result of women’s hard work
For centuries, the process of making papad was a community effort, often led by women. Imagine a time when women would gather in homes, spending hours grinding fresh pulses, adding spices, and drying papads with care and patience. This tradition is still alive in many rural villages today. Papad is not only a beloved food item in Indian households but also a source of livelihood for many. The success story of papad is deeply intertwined with the hard work of countless women who have contributed to its production over the ages.
One papad that changed many lives
One of the most inspiring stories related to papad is the foundation of Lijjat Papad. In 1959, seven Gujarati women came together to start a small business making papad. Not only did they create a delicious product, but they also laid the foundation for a strong cooperative organisation. Today, Lijjat Papad is one of the largest papad manufacturers in India, providing employment to thousands of women. One of the founding members, Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat, was honored with the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution. Lijjat Papad continues to empower women and help them become financially independent.
From its humble beginnings over 2,500 years ago to its role in empowering women today, papad has a rich and fascinating history. It has evolved from being a simple, travel-friendly snack to an essential part of Indian cuisine and a symbol of hard work and entrepreneurship. So, the next time you enjoy papad with your meal, remember that it’s not just a crunchy treat—it’s a piece of history.
