Various Influences on Indian Cuisine
With a 3000 year old religious heritage, India is a home to many religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Jainism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism and the Baha’i religions. All these faiths demonstrated on the choice of food. Vegetarianism and non-vegetarianism also originated from these beliefs. This dictated in the choice of culinary in the states of India and thus became the Indian Regional Cuisines. The Jains are restricted from eating garlic or any kind of living thing. Besides, Jainism other religious beliefs do not abstain from eating meat. However, different religions have different restrictions on the type of meat. Such as Hindus, Parsis and Sikhs abstain from eating beef and Muslims regard eating of pork going against their religious belief.
North Indian Cuisines
Apart from the religious beliefs, foreign invasions have also played a vital role in deciding the culinary of a particular state. The Punjab was situated in Pakistan. Though, the Punjabis have their own distinct cuisine, as with any other Indian state and region, yet much of their cuisine has been influenced by the refugees who fled to India. It is here in Punjab products like milk and ghee, parathas stuffed with radishes and pomegranate seeds, mustard greens, corn bread, complete the richness of dishes.
Kashmir on the other hand is a Muslim dominated state. It is, therefore, a region reflects Mughal influence. Various Muslim dishes are enjoyed in the region which involves meat and cream dishes.
West Indian Cuisines
Gujarati Cuisine is another example of miscellany. Among the Indian Regional Cuisines, Gujarati cuisine refers primarily vegetarian cuisine. This region is solely influenced by the religious faiths of Hinduism and Jainism. The authentic Gujarati Thali includes Roti, daal or kadhi, rice and sabzi or shaak, which is a dish made up of different combinations of vegetables and spices. Gujarati cuisine varies widely in flavour and heat and is the example of variations.
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