Incredible! Moong Dal Laddoos Found at Harappa Site
Scientists and researchers have found food balls at the Harappan excavation site
In recent archeological findings, scientists and researchers found food balls at the Harappan excavation site in Western Rajasthan. What is most amazing is that the primary component of these food balls (laddoo) are Moong beans.
The sweetness of Laddoos knows no bounds. These little sweet balls of indulgence are the go-to dessert for any occasion. The best thing about the humble laddoo is that it can be made with innumerable ingredients and in various combinations. Whether it’s a Besan Laddoo or a Motichoor one, whether it’s nariyal laddoo or Sesame one, all these delicate creations simply give a sense of elation with a definite mouthfeel!
If you ever wondered about the history of laddoo and how old the recipe is, we may have found the answer. Scientists from the BirbalSahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow (BSIP) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have found seven ‘food balls’ at a Harappan excavation site in western Rajasthan.
Studies reveal that the composition of these food balls or laddoos has an ‘agricultural origin’, and primarily made from plant-based organic compounds basically moong dal. They also found traces of Magnesium, Calcium, and Potassium in the spherical structures.
So, obviously, the use of ‘food balls’ or Laddoos can be traced back to as early as 2600 BCE. So the question arises that were these spheres or Laddoos used as offerings for ritualistic purposes or were they the aesthetic dessert of the Harappan or a regular food for them?
Well, the study suggests that it may be a bit of all, “the concept of offerings for some ritual or multi-nutritive compact food balls for instant nutrition as a food supplement, perhaps prevailing during that period.
In another instance, the history of laddoo also dates back to several centuries, and even today, Laddoo rules the taste when it comes to India’s preference for sweets. The long history of laddoo in India explains the mind-boggling varieties as every region of India has its own take on Laddoos preferring to the geographical climate, taste, and availability of the ingredients. Comically speaking, there are only two things in common across all types of laddoos is that you will find them ‘all round in shape and of course in sweetness!!!
The name Laddoo basically means Purity and Sweet. A person with the name ‘Laddoo’ has loads of positivity and a source of immense happiness.
Another claim on the origin of the sweet Laddoos can be traced to ancient Vedas. Surgeon Sushruta – The Elder was the person connected with the claim, so the anecdote follows:
One of the earliest examples of Laddoo was of sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts, which we today know as ‘Til ke Laddoo’. It is said that around 4BC legendary surgeon Sushruta – The Elder, began using this concoction as an antiseptic to treat his surgical patients. The Sushruta Samhita is one of the most important surviving ancient treatises on medicine and is considered as the foundational text of Ayurveda.
In Asia and the Middle East, the laddoo is invariably an integral part of the wedding ceremony, passing exams, or the birth of a baby. Boxes of laddoos get distributed as soon as some happy news is shared.
In today’s era, there are ‘n’ numbers of laddoos made with the amalgamation of different legumes, ingredients, sweeteners, and spices. Among the popular ones are Motichoor Laddoo, Besan/Rawa Laddoo, Nariyal Laddoo, Til Ke Laddo, Bundi Laddoo, and many more in the basket…..!!!
These Laddoos actually depicts that even in ancient times laddoos were a much-loved dessert and over time this rounded mithai has captured the heart of the decedents of the Indus valley – that is ‘we’ the Indians in today’s time.