It is the symbol of auspicious beginnings, the seal on alliances and invitations. It represents the deity in religious ritual; it is the inspiration of verse, legend & painting. It is the aphrodisiac expounded in the Kama Sutra; it is an addiction and a social nicety. The Tambool (betal or paan) tradition is all this and more. And the Indian fondness and devotion to this tradition is eloquently revealed in the magnificent collection of over 150 betel boxes & lime containers, and the nut-cutters, nut-holders and mortars gathered here from all over the country.

||Legendary Lores ||

Mythology has it that Mohini distributed Amrut (ambotia) amongst various Gods. The urn with the remaining quantity, was kept near God Indra’s elephant ‘Magraja’. Out ot the urn grew a strange creeper and the Gods became ecastic. God Vishnu ordered Dhanvatari to examine the creeper. He discovered its stimulating quality. From then on Vishnu began presenting its leaves as a gesture of love and affection. Since it is said the betel trine was born. It began to be associated with the Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh Trinity. The areca nut was attributed to Brahma, the Tambool leaf to Vishnu and Lime to Mahesh.
  

Tribal betel box
(Orissa)
19th Cent.A.D.
 

|| Historical Background ||

Precisely when the Tambool came to India is not known but historical records trace its origin to the Gupta period (A.D. 320-467). Later Someswara, a sixth Century Chalukya King, was described in Manasollasa - a text on royal life which refers to the betel quid as one of eight royal enjoyments. The Chandel Rajputs in the eighth Century invited tambolis of Rajasthan to cultivate this fragile creeper in Mahoba their political capital. The ‘Alha Khand’ an epic by Jagnik has represented Tambool as a symbol of the Rajput code of conduct. Marco Polo was the first European to make a note of "this habit of the entire population to masticate perpetually a leaf called Tambool". The actual extent of this deeply rooted custom spans pre-British east Africa, Fiji islands, India, Srilanka, Myanmaar Thailand, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Borneo, New Guinea and the nearby islands.
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Nut Cracker

Nut Cracker

Tambool Apparatus
(South India)
19thcen. AD
 
(Rajasthan)
19thCentA.D.
 
(Gujarat)
19thCentA.D
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|| Romantic Aspects ||

In love making, Tambool chewing has a special significance because of the attractive red colour it imparts to the leaps its fragrance that drives away bad breath and its capacity to stimulate the cros. This romantic aspect has inspired some of the more beautiful works of art in India. In the now famous Gita Govind by Jaydev, a lyrical expression of the immoral love of Radha and God Krishna, are sung praises of Radha’s Tambool-stained lips. The Kamasutra the ancient Indian ‘pleasure manual expounds the virtues of Tambool as a sexual etiquette and a requisite to proper disposition. Later literary works have devoted to this rare almost magical leaf pages of exquisite verse, paintings, songs and legends.
  

Silk Betel Pouch
(Maharashtra)

Pipes and Opium Pots
Tambool Apparatus
(South India)
19th Cent. A.D
 
(Gujarat) 19th Cent A.D

|| Social Significance ||

Verily Tambool is the link between almost every Indian relationship. Between man and Gods, guru and disciple, man and women and king and his subjects. Therefore, it is only natural that it takes the pride of place in family events. Right from birth, thread ceremonies, marriages to funerals . Every auspicious occasion begins with the distribution of Tambool. During worship two Tambool leaves with an areca nut are offered to God whilst chanting a mantra. During social functions the offering of the Tambool is considered a minimum but essential part of hospitality. No less prominence was given to it during weddings. In Maharashtra there is a special custom when the bride holds the Tambool quid in her mouth and the bridegroom has to bite off a portion of it. This act was considered a pledge of honour and love that sealed their relationship for life. On the other hand there are examples of Rajput women eating their last Tambool quid before committing themselves to the ‘Sati’ pyre. Post-natal diet invariably included the Tambool quid which contained special medicinal herbs and spices conducive to the quick recovery of the new

Lime Boxes
Nut Cutter
(South India)
18th Cent. A.D
 
(South India)
19th Cent.A.D.