History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c26.s3.t2.1

v1.c26.s3.t2.1

Usage of liquor : This may be reviewed as a preamble to reviewing the technology of production. The Harappans may even have drunk distilled liquor (as shown below). The *Ṛgveda*, while exalting *soma*, condemns the use of *surā*, a distilled liquor. In subsequent Vedic literature, Brahmins (and students in particular) are always rigorously prohibited from using liquor, while Kṣatriyas and Vaiśyas are permitted liquor made from honey, *mahuā* flowers and jaggery, but not spirits distilled from fermented flour (Prakash, Om, 1961, pp. 34-57). The Jataka tales suggest that drinking at feasts with friends was by no means uncommon, and that women and even hermits imbibed. Buddhist monks were not permitted wine except when ill. For Jain monks, the prohibition was strict; they could not even stay in a place where jars of wine were stored.