Historical and spiritual perspectives of vegetables in India

Abstract

Vegetables have been integral part of human life during worship, spirituality and cultural festivals. History of vegetables in Vedic and ancient India is very vast but this important information is scanty and rarely recorded. At global level, 400 vegetable crop species are documented, out of which 80 species of major and minor vegetables reported to have originated in India. Vegetables are key pillar of commercial horticulture and/or agriculture for better farm income, food and nutritional security of India. Vegetables are important source of medicinal and nutraceutical foods. India is ranked second in area (10.86 million ha) and production (200.45 million tonnes) of vegetables in the world. This article would provide few indicative aspects on history of vegetables and their various spiritual and ritual significances for mankind.