Tag: Indian history

Controversy surrounding Swami Vivekananda's dietary choices has persisted for decades, with many surprised to learn he was not a strict vegetarian. Historical accounts confirm that Vivekananda did eat non-vegetarian food, particularly fish, which was common in his native Bengal and when he traveled abroad. This fact challenges modern perceptions and underscores his practical, non-dogmatic approach to spiritual life.

During his lifetime, Mahatma Gandhi reportedly walked 79,000 kilometers, a testament to his physical discipline, which was deeply tied to his dietary convictions. While widely known as a vegetarian, Gandhi’s relationship with food was a lifelong "experiment with truth," marked by phases of strict adherence, compromise, and profound ethical consideration.

According to records from his raw-food diary in 1893, Mahatma Gandhi began one day's "vital food experiment" breakfast with uncooked grains, nuts, and fresh fruit. His breakfast, much like his entire diet, was a carefully considered component of his philosophical and spiritual practices, not merely a meal. The question, 'what did Gandhi eat for breakfast?' reveals a deeper look into his disciplined life and his commitment to self-sufficiency and natural foods.

Archaeological and textual evidence indicates a significant dietary shift during the Later Vedic period, transitioning from a pastoral reliance to a settled agrarian society. This change profoundly influenced what the people in the later Vedic age ate, introducing new staples and altering old traditions, particularly regarding meat consumption.