History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c26.s3.t2.3

v1.c26.s3.t2.3

Public taverns or drinking areas are frequently depicted, and are called *saundikas* and *panabhūmis*. In Mauryan times (Auboyer, 1965, p, 259) “every village had at least one tavern, identifiable by the flag that it flew. The towns contained many taverns, grouped in the same district but sufficiently spaced out to prevent their being side by side. They were often decorated and furnished in style, and contained several courtyards, rooms filled with seats and couches, and also counters where perfumes, flowers and garlands could be brought. It was a lucrative business, for the sale of fermented and alcoholic drinks continued throughout the day and well into the night. The customers ate salt with their drinks to encourage their thirst”. Moderation in use of liquor is urged, for example in the *Bṛhatsamhitā* (early 6th cent. AD) (Shastri, 1969, pp. 209- 216) and in the *Caraka Saṃhitā* (Chakraborty, 1923 p. 573), which opines: “A stimulant taken in proper dose increases the strength and weight of the body, but taken in excess it reduces the body weight”. Elsewhere Caraka recommends a little wine only when the digestion is at its best, such as in winter and spring, and diluted wine in the rainy season and summer (Sengupta, 1919, p. 12).