These days, Iran is the center of discussion all over the world. The reason is the ongoing conflict with America and the latest ceasefire. Iran lost a lot in the almost one and a quarter month long war with America and Israel but kept its courage intact. Kept fighting with full patience. Now that Trump has declared a ceasefire for a fortnight, Iran has also clearly said that if it is not attacked then it too will not attack.Whether this ceasefire will end after a fortnight or war will happen again will be decided after Iran-America talks but one thing which is not going to change is the cultural relations between India and Iran, art, language, food style and what not?
You will be shocked to know which things came to India from Iran (Persia) and settled in our veins after coming here. It would be unbelievable to know that these things have come from Iran and have made a place among us.Know what came to India from Iran and remained here? In which things did Indians add their own flavor and give it a distinct identity? What are those things about which the common people know that they are ours but the reality is that they have come from Iran.
Jalebi has a connection with Iran.
Biryani, Samosa came from Iran
Relations between Iran (ancient Persia) and India are very old. Trade, travel and cultural contacts between the two regions have been going on for thousands of years. Indian food, especially the food of North India, was greatly enriched by Iranian influence. Persian cooks had a special place in the Mughal court. They brought with them new dishes and cooking methods and expanded them here. The most prominent example is Pulao and Biryani.
The Persian cooks of the Mughal court brought with them pulao and biryani.
Pulao was derived from the Persian word Pilou. It was a mixture of rice and meat or vegetables. In India, diversity of spices was added and gradually a dish like Biryani developed. Today Hyderabadi, Lucknowi and Kolkata biryani are liked all over the country. Samosa is also of Iranian origin. In Persia it was called Sambusa.
seal of historians
According to historians, samosa came to India in the 13th-14th century. Initially it was filled with meat and dry fruits, but in India it got a new form with potatoes and spices. There is also an Iranian contribution to the tradition of rotis. Breads like Naan, Khamiri Roti, Sheermaal and Bakarkhani have come from Persian kitchen only.
In Iran, samosas were filled with meat and dry fruits, but in India it got a new form with potatoes and spices.
The technique of cooking roti in tandoor is also considered to be a part of this effect. The use of dry fruits and saffron is also associated with Iran. Almonds, pistachios, walnuts and figs are widely used in Indian sweets and dishes. Saffron is mainly grown in Kashmir, but Iranian contact played a major role in its popularity. The art of making rose water and perfume also came from Persia. These are still being used in sweets, sherbets and on special occasions.
Irani from Dum Method to Dum Pukht
Iran not only provided dishes but also taught cooking methods. The most famous method is the Dum method. In this, the vessel is closed with flour and cooked on low flame. This retains the taste and aroma. Lucknow’s Dam Pukht is a solid example of this method. This method is being adopted from the time when modern utensils did not exist. Food was cooked in earthen pots. The tradition of kebab and grilling also came from Iran. Soaking meat in spices and cooking it on fire, then making it soft and juicy, this art is still an important part of Indian cuisine.
Iranian carpet.
Carpets and blue pottery also Iranian
Iran has been famous for its artistic traditions. Many crafts in India are seen to be influenced by this. Carpet weaving is a prime example of this. Emperor Akbar invited Persian artisans to India. He taught carpet making techniques here. The carpets of Kashmir, Agra and Bhadohi are world famous today. Intricate designs, flower-leaf patterns and fine weaving are visible in these, which are the hallmark of Iranian style.
Blue pottery also reached India under Persian influence. The blue pottery of Jaipur has a special identity. Blue color and special glaze are used in it. This art has now become popular in many parts of the country including Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Khurja. Zardozi embroidery is also made from Persian words. Jar means gold and Doji means embroidery. This art is still seen in royal clothes and wedding dresses.
Iranian influence on Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb
Iranian influence was not limited to goods only. He also changed the architecture and gardening of India. Charbagh style is its prime example. In this style the garden is divided into four parts. There are water canals in the middle. This design is inspired by the imagination of Persian paradise. Humayun’s Tomb and Taj Mahal are built in this style. Architectural features such as domes, arches and minarets also show Persian influence. This is clearly visible in many historical buildings of Delhi, Agra and Lahore.
Taj Mahal.
Words like market, wall, paper, handkerchief are of Persian origin.
The deepest influence of Iran is seen on language. Persian became the official language of India in the medieval period. It was used in administration, literature and court. Today thousands of words in Hindi and Urdu are of Persian origin. Words like market, wall, paper, handkerchief, door, glasses, shop, weather and color are of Persian origin but have become so common among Indians that their foreign origin is not even realised. The tradition of Ghazal and poetry also came from Persia. Poets like Mirza Ghalib and Amir Khusro gave it an Indian colour.
Everyday things and lifestyle are also affected
Iranian influence is visible even in small everyday things. The use of perfume, welcoming guests on special occasions and serving sweet sherbet after meals are traditions associated with Persian culture. Clothing styles such as long kurtas, pajamas and sherwanis are also a result of this influence. This attire was common in the royal courts, which later reached the general public.
Historians like Satish Chandra, Irfan Habib and AL Srivastava have written extensively on this exchange during the Mughal period and before. The books of these authors show that the relationship between India and Iran was not limited to trade only. This was a deep cultural dialogue. This influence is visible even today in every field, be it food, art, language, clothing and architecture. Today when we eat biryani. When we enjoy kebabs with Naan or spread carpet in our house, we are unknowingly living the common heritage of Iran. These things which came from Iran have now become completely Indian. This is the greatest beauty of cultural exchange.
Also read: How did the war between Iran and Iraq start, which took 8 years to end?