History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c14.9

c14.9

There is, however, plentiful mention of a number of fermented drinks. *Soma*, the fermented juice from the stems of soma plant, had been highly extolled and even worshipped or invoked as the representation of divine power. It was, however, largely used during the religious rituals. Among other fermented liquors, there is a mention of *madhu*, a drink supplied at feasts, and *sura*, which was probably a kind of beer brewed from barley grain. Curds or fermented milk also constituted an important article of diet.