Ancient India was marked by multilayered cultures and centuries of rich history. Let’s look at the daily lifestyle, diet, and leisure activities of ordinary people from that time to know how they had fun in ancient India.
Daily Activities,
The rhythm of life in ancient India synced with the sun cycle. People would wake up with dawn marking the start of their day.
Mornings, Mainly for domestic chores. Men would typically engage in farming or crafts in their workshops. women took charge at home, made breakfast comprising rice porridge accompanied by lentils, and cared for children.
Afternoons, This period offered some rest during the high temperatures. Occupations shifted towards resting or lighter duties indoors which also included temple visits.
Evenings, With sunset, families converged. They dined on simple yet nutritious food including vegetables, pulses, and occasional meat while evenings were dedicated to storytelling sessions, music, or games to keep everyone entertained.
Cuisine,
The food patterns varied across regions and social classes during ancient times in India as discussed below,
Rice, wheat, and lentils made up most dishes while seasonal vegetables like eggplant, pumpkins, and gourds augmented this basic diet. The known affinity for spices held then as well. Ginger, turmeric cumin coriander not only catered to their taste but also boosted health.
Fruits like mangoes bananas along with other seasonal ones were relished as well.
The upper-class households along with some communities had a meat-based diet usually including chicken or fish.
Beyond Work, Joy of Living and Fun in Ancient India
The leisure pursuits of ancient Indians reflected their zest for life despite the challenging times. Here is a snapshot,
Storytelling sessions were a popular fixture passed down generations featuring religious stories, epics like Ramayana Mahabharata, and many such folktales.
Dice-based games and board games resembling Ludo known as Pachisi served as a means of entertainment and bonding among people.
Music and Dance, Indian celebrations, and religious ceremonies have long included music and dance. Classical dances like Bharatnatyam have ancient origins.
Festivals, Across the year, India’s diverse festivals promote community bonding with food and music.
A Glimpse into History
Digging into the daily routines of the common folk in age-old India paints a vivid picture of this intriguing culture. It becomes evident that day-to-day activities, diet, and entertainment were aspects of a thriving society that sustained for ages.