INDIAN TRADITIONAL PRODUCT - IMAM DASTA

Abstract: Indian is vast...So are the cuisine of here and some traditional utensils which have a special importance and identity.

Image 01: Brass Imam Dasta

Introduction :

Working with the right materials would yield to a right and successful work. This saying is also true in cooking. This means that when you have the right cooking utensils, you’ll most probably end up with a nice and delectable food. This goes for all cuisines, including the Indian cuisine. In India, utensils are simply not only used for preparation of food. They are used in prayer services and also make excellent gifting solutions for Indian marriages - it's one way to helping someone set up their home. India has a huge body of beliefs about the effects of various metals and minerals on the body and it was naturally felt that food cooked in various metals absorbed certain trace minerals and elements beneficial to health. The kitchen was, and still is the central part of a woman's life but the amount of time spent in the kitchen has reduced remarkably over the years. Indeed one feels the dying of a leisurely way of life, most, in the context of the kitchen. There are many kitchen utensils used in India which has a strong impact on our style of cuisines and delicacies. Indian cuisine has been known around the world because of its exceptional flavour. That’s why, people around the world, not necessarily from India, are becoming fond of knowing how to cook Indian recipe. But before doing so, one should bear in mind that firstly have to have the weapons to win the battle, that is, the correct Indian cooking utensils and one of them is “Imam Dasta".

Image 02: Spice Pondering

Image 03: Stone Imam Dasta

  

Why the product is chosen? : I choose this product for the explanation of an Indian traditional product because it is used in every Indian traditional kitchen and having a very strong presence from the past. And I personally think that it is one of the most suitable Indian traditional products. Although the word “Imam Dasta” is a Turkish word whose origin and adaptation in India is still unknown but the word is completely absorbed here and the existence of this product in this country backs thousands of years. This product has many uses. From making masala chai (Indian tea) to Bhang thandai (festive drink of India during Holi) this product has a very unique purpose and identity of itself. Even our mothers, grandmothers are using this product and seen her great grandmothers pondering dry chillies and turmeric in it during day hours. Image 04:  Traditional Brass Imam Dasta          Preparation of wet spice mixture for daily routine food was somewhere incomplete without this product and still is in use in certain regions of the country. It is traditional in various Hindu ceremonies (such as weddings) to crush turmeric in these mortars. Moreover preparation of medicines, oils in Ayurveda is somewhere unimaginable without Imam Dasta. In India, it's used extensively to make spice mixtures for various delicacies as well as day to day dishes. Does the product identify spirit of Indian Design? This product is being used from ages and still existing without any major change in the appearance. A favourite in every Indian kitchen, a Imam-Dasta is generally known as mortar-pestle, is perfect for pulverizing and grinding herbs and spices into seasoning pastes and spice mixtures. An Imam-Dasta unlike a food processor which only shreds and tears ingredients, allows fragrances and flavours to be beautifully blended.                 Image 05:  Marble Imam Dasta            The origin of Indian spices dates back to thousands of years. From time immemorial spices have played an important role in Indian cooking, imparting amazing flavours to extensive Indian dishes and so is the use of this Indian product from that particular time period. As per its design is concerned it is still available in the same antique design and form. Usually Imam-Dasta's is made up of brass and wood. As Steel is now most commonly material used for domestic purposes. So it has now given way to steel and also to ceramic ones. The traditional style and the design of this product are still maintained properly. Image 06:      Ancient stone Imam Dasta

Form and Function

As per form of Imam Dasta is concerned it is still exists in same peculiar shapes and form. Since Indian spices can be bought in most supermarkets and what can’t be had there is always available in specialist Indian or Asian grocery stores. So in today’s modern times people are not in much use of this product and have technologically refined food processors and grinders at their home and have a perception that indian food does not require special cooking utensils like Imam Dasta. “Form follows function” the statement totally suitable on this product and this is the main reasons for the existence of Imam Dasta in this era in same form and design.

Image 07:  Traditional Brass Imam Dasta         

Representative of Indian design Taking all the aspects qualities and relevance of this product in our culture and cuisine it can be said that it is one of the true representative of Indian design. Although Imam-Dasta is not only used in India but also in some of the Asian countries. But the bonding which it has with the Indian cuisine is inseparable especially with mughal and southindian cuisine. It is still handcrafted by craftsmen and made by skilled workmen in small scale industries of India in various materials like wood, brass, stone, marble that too specifically for specific purposes. In a way it also gives employment to workmen. Image 08:  Ceramic Imam Dasta

The importance of this product in Indian kitchens and also during festivals of India is enormous… and it can be said that it is one of the finest example of pure Indian traditional products.

Bibliography: Journals and Articles: Demystifying Indian cuisine  Websites: www.indianfood.about.com                   www.kitchensofindia.com                   www.indianfood-recipes.com