The observance and practice of certain rituals, iconography, symbols etc. across religions and regions with some mutual commonalities is the most conspicuous marker of both, independently shared beliefs and cultural diffusion. Through these, popular and social affinities in the world are recognized. Of a zillion of these, salt is one such component that assumes some form of significance in the socio-cultural sector and the popular imagination. This article seeks to hint at a shared code of conduct around salt, its popular and cultural significance across time and space, with special reference to the Indian milieu.
Since time immemorial, salt performed multifarious roles across civilizations to keep the biological quotient of the body stable. As an indispensable compound in the daily diet, it helps absorb nutrients, transport necessary minerals across the body, function as an antiseptic, preservative, inhibitor of germs etc apart from being the fundamental flavour enhancer in our daily lives. Although the identification of this miraculous article was anachronistic, its vitality was acknowledged enough by the Romans whose set nomenclature for these salubrious crystals (sal) closely resembles the Roman goddess of health, Salus. The inception of its use, by whom, from where, how, predates history but the significance of salt in antiquarian cultures is so intrinsic that apparently it was believed that ‘salary’ is derived from the Latin salarium which denoted an allowance for soldiers to buy salt, a luxury.
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Salt, for centuries, had served the purpose of testing loyalty and submission to one’s master. Evidence of the age-old metaphor was found at Ur, dated to 3800 BC! This trope assumed great currency across much of Asia including Central Asia, Persia and the Persianate world too. Babur lived in a time when the individual was defined by the community. According to historian Stewart Gordon, salt symbolized the opportunities the leader provided and the service and loyalty that the soldier was honour-bound to give in return and helped Babur absorb the defeated enemy soldiers without loss of honour. In the Deccan too, the system was politically well established, seen when Afzal Khan being a Central Asian fought against the Turco-Mongol Mughals, on the pretext that he had consumed the salt of the Deccan sultans.
At least among the Indians, from Namak Halaal to Namak Haraam, the lexicon of salt has eulogized the concepts of faithfulness, loyalty, fealty, betrayal etc. which happen to be the most critical virtues of men. The former testified to honouring the consumption of one’s salt, an important part of the implicit code of conduct and the latter, he timeless ad infinitum,” sardaar maine aap ka namak khaaya hai” uttered by the wretchedly attired Kaaliaas response to one of the most popular antagonists of Indian Cinema, Gabbar attests to the former’s dedication to his master that was rewarded by death. Though just a dialogue it culls out the popular sentiments and the baggage of symbolism that people attach to and around salt.
Salt is one of those absolutely necessary articles that is consumed by people irrespective of any social differentiation based on religion, caste, class, sex etc. Mahatma Gandhi’s choice of Salt, to initiate a full-fledged, inclusive political struggle in the guise of Dandi March 1930 was conspicuously symbolic since salt was one of those basic components that every individual had a right on and no overarching entity had any right to strip Indians from manufacturing, processing and using a natural product which had been their monopoly for centuries. The picking up of a handful of salt personified defiance and resistance against a heavy tax that reeked of oppression. Similar was the case with the gabelle, salt tax under the Ancien Regimein France, which became one of the underlying factors of the Revolution. Thus, it became the cynosure of mass action, attracting massive public attention and participation in various capacities. It was one such interest where religions, regions etc. converged.
Some Muslim communities especially in the Indian subcontinent believe that tasting a pinch of salt, by the grace of the Prophet, before meals is a way to ward of diseases etc. Moreover, salt remains one of the important ways to ward of nazar, the evil eye although its basis is doubted. Some consider it a part of the hadithand some denounce it as superstition. Astrology premises that salt keeps evil energy at bay and a bowl of salt in the Eastern corner of the house brings in prosperity, focus and positivity in the family. In Judaism, among other things salt seals a bargain, particularly the covenant with God. Blessed Salt among early Christians was integral to the process of Baptism. Certain Hindu communities, base some superstitious beliefs on oral traditions and refrain from purchasing salt on Saturdays in order to evade monetary crisis and donate the same to accrue virtue. In the southern part of India too, some people believe in putting a handful of salt on the threshold before entering the new house or on the arrival of the new bride. Among the Gujratis, salt is supposed to be the first purchase in a wedding, new year or other auspicious occasions.
The aforementioned paragraphs, are a peek into a minuscule segment of cultural symbolisms that certain elements embody. Something, as trivial as salt, pass off as a meagre element for living and sustenance without us recognising the broader social implications it denotes. Every sector of life viz. political, social, religious, cultural, psychological, is touched by the implications of salt in a way. It’s difficult to ascertain which aspect inspired the other, if the process was circular, whether there was diffused culturally or the symbolisms burgeoned independently. From medical to magical , salt is indeed a miraculous entity.
From Dhanbad, a history graduate from LSR. Currently a first year Masters student in Delhi University. I religiously experiment with cuisines! I spend my free time drooling over fictional characters and listening to music. Personally follow and urge everyone to follow the 'live and let live' principle in life. Current Role: interning with ITISARAS as a writer. Ultimate goal: To help create consciousness about animal-welfare and be of help in the strive for universal education. Biggest achievement: helping an adolescent with no educational background learn the basics of language, to read and write. Educational Qualification: History graduate, currently a Masters student at Delhi University.
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