Alcohol in ancient

Alcoholic beverages have been mentioned in ancient Indian texts. The Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas and Vedas mention alcohol. An old book (Wine in ancient India by Bose, Dhirendra Krishna) written around 1922 also gives descriptions from the Vedic/Puranic literature.

In fact, one study by F. R. Allchin suggests that India may be the original home of alcohol distillation. There were many kinds of alcohol consumed in ancient India, strong and mild versions, only they were not called wine, beer or whiskey.

Mahabharata, Rigveda, Gath-Saptasati, Puranas and in the works of classical Sanskrit, authors such as Kalidasa and others reveal that intoxicating beverages were known by various names: the most common drinks were Sura and Soma as well as Parisrut but others included Madya, Madira, Asava, Madhu, Surasava, Gaudasava, Madhasava, Kailavat Madhu, Phaljam and Kadambari among other.