<P> Historical incidents such as foreign invasions, trade relations, and colonialism have played a role in introducing certain foods to this country . For instance, potato, a staple of the diet in some regions of India, was brought to India by the Portuguese, who also introduced chillies and breadfruit . Indian cuisine has shaped the history of international relations; the spice trade between India and Europe was the primary catalyst for Europe's Age of Discovery . Spices were bought from India and traded around Europe and Asia . Indian cuisine has influenced other cuisines across the world, especially those from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, the British Isles, Fiji, and the Caribbean . </P> <P> Indian cuisine reflects an 8,000 - year history of various groups and cultures interacting with the Indian subcontinent, leading to diversity of flavours and regional cuisines found in modern - day India . Later, trade with British and Portuguese influence added to the already diverse Indian cuisine . </P> <P> Early diet in India mainly consisted of legumes, vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, and honey . Staple foods eaten today include a variety of lentils (dal), whole - wheat flour (aṭṭa), rice, and pearl millet (bājra), which has been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent since 6200 BCE . Over time, segments of the population embraced vegetarianism during Śramaṇa movement while an equitable climate permitted a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains to be grown throughout the year . A food classification system that categorised any item as saatvic, raajsic, or taamsic developed in Yoga tradition . The Bhagavad Gita proscribes certain dietary practices (chapter 17, verses 8--10). Consumption of beef is taboo, due to cows being considered sacred in Hinduism . Beef is generally not eaten by Hindus in India except for Kerala and the north east . </P> <P> During the Middle Ages, several Indian dynasties were predominant, including the Gupta dynasty . Travel to India during this time introduced new cooking methods and products to the region, including tea . India was later invaded by tribes from Central Asian cultures, which led to the emergence of Mughlai cuisine, a mix of Indian and Central Asian cuisine . Hallmarks include seasonings such as saffron . </P>

Types of food eaten in different states of india