Inscribed Hawan-Dasta or Mortar and Pestle

Deccani cuisine’s unique taste is the result of many factors. An important feature is the geographic position and environment of the region, but people’s strong belief in traditional medicine also contributed to the development of the cuisine. Both Ayurvedic and Unani medical systems believe that food profoundly affects health and should be matched to each individual’s balance of humours. These theories influenced common people and rulers alike in the development of their food habits. The Qutb Shahi rulers had sponsored Unani medicine and encouraged their hakims or Unani doctors to write treatises. It is believed that these hakims were often good cooks and heirs to culinary traditions.

An essential item required for the preparation of food or medicine is the hawan-dasta, or mortar and pestle, which was used for pounding herbs and spices. However the size and material of this particular hawan-dasta suggests that its uses and ownership were special. This small hexagonal mortar has all the features of a utilitarian object and its curved oval bowl would allow for proper grinding, but it is made of an expensive material: it is carved from a block of pure green jade. The proportionately crafted dasta or pestle too has a perfectly round base for smoothly grinding herbs, and a pointed tip for proper grip.

The walls of the hawan are inscribed in Nasta’liq script in the Persian language. One side of the hawan bears the inscription ‘Ya Shafi,’ which means “O Almighty God,” the giver of health. The inscription on the other side reads “Banda-i-khaksar Muhammad Qutb Shah” or “the humblest man, Mohammad Qutb Shah (the ruler of Golconda)”.

Gold colour fills the grooves of the engraving, giving this hawan-dasta an elegant appearance and suggesting that it was an item for daily use for the Qutb Shahi royalty of Golconda, Deccan.