Use of Intoxicants in Ancient India

 Hello Everyone !!!

Hinduism has a history of psychedelic usage going back to the Vedic period. The oldest scriptures of Hinduism Rigveda        (1500 BCE), mentions ritualistic consumption of a divine psychedelic known as Soma (drink). 

Some of the Drugs used since ancient times in India :

1. Cannabis :--

  • It has been cultivated since 2,000 B.C.
  • Different forms available are Charas, Hash (resin), Ganja (flower), Bhaang (seeds and leaf).
  • Mentioned in Atharva Veda 8.7.20; 11.6.15.
  • Mahanirvana Tantra 5.5-7
  • Mentioned in Tantra texts --

          a) It has different colors in different ages.

          b) It also has 4 classes, like the Hindu caste system.

          c) Prescribed to regulate mental functions.

  • The 4 categories of users --      

          a) Priests, ascetics, Yogi, fakirs (to stimulate mind and spirit)

          b) Devotees of gods                   (for ceremonies)

          c) Physical labors                       (for decreasing pain)

          d) Patients                                  (psychic, somatic, psycho-somatic)

2. Opium :-- 

  • Used since 5,000 B.C. in Neolithic age.
  • It has 2 forms-- Heroin, Morphine.

3. Tobacco :--   

  • Has been used since 17th century.


The 8 "Siddhi" Intoxicants :

  • Opium
  • Bhaang
  • Hemlock
  • Tobacco
  • Datura
  • Date liquor
  • Arrack (palm/ rice liquor)
  • Gaanja

The 12 Types of Wines :

  • Mahua
  • Sugar
  • Grape
  • Breadfruit
  • Dates
  • Jack fruit
  • Cowplant 
  • Honey
  • Wood apple
  • Licorice
  • Coconut
  • Rice

 

Thanks for Reading !!!  

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