Sweet Chronicles: A Journey Through the History of Indian Sweets is a delightful read, conceptualized and compiled by Samata Dey Bose, founder of Indiacafe24.com
This year, instead of the usual recipe book featuring over 100 sweet and savoury creations, Bose embarked on a unique exploration: uncovering the fascinating world of Indian mithais (sweets). After all, India is more than a sub-continent: it is a galaxy of flavours, each corner boasting its own unique sweet treats.
With characteristic patience and meticulousness, Bose assembled a team of 19 passionate individuals, resulting in a delightful collection of 21 articles exploring India’s most beloved sweets. These articles delve into the fascinating history of Indian desserts, tracing their evolution from ancient origins to their modern-day incarnations.
While 21 articles may seem like a drop in the ocean compared to the sheer diversity of Indian mithais, the book meticulously chronicles the sweet journey from every corner of the country – north, south, east, and west.
I researched and wrote about my favourite Kaju Katli and Ukadiche Modak, a delicious jaggery and coconut dumpling that resides in my heart. To know all the authors, check this reel.
Desserts in India are a holy offering, sacred as they belong to the gods, a temple fare that sweetens life. Most mithais came into existence to please the gods or the royals, but then nothing ever remains within one domain in India. The gods showered their blessings and mithais are now a staple of Indian meals.
As the most populous and diverse country in the world, India’s love affair with all things on the planet is joie-de-vivre, a celebration of life. If you see the calendar, there is always a festival in some part of the country, no day is ever without a sweet celebration. Little wonder then, you find sweet shops in each and every corner of every street in India.
While Gulab Jamun, Barfi and Ladoos remain the most popular desserts, there’s more in the flavourful basket. And you read it all page by page, word by word in this book.
For those who’ve ever wondered about the tug-of-war between West Bengal and Odisha over the ubiquitous Rasgulla, the opening chapter provides a fascinating exploration. The book delves into the significance of the Modak, a celebrated sweet in Maharashtra, and the ubiquitous Peda, a favourite across northern India. It even explores the restorative Pinnis from Punjab, known for their health benefits.
Personally, this delicious exploration unearthed three new mithais for me – Jaynagarer Moa, Akkaravadisal and Hayagreeva Maddi. Now, I’m on a mission to find them in the bustling streets of Delhi!
Sweet Chronicles: A Journey Through the History of Indian Sweets is more than just a list of delectable treats. It serves as a window into a world where cultural influences, regional specialties, and culinary innovations intertwine to create India’s unique sweet legacy. The book delves into the stories behind popular favourites, uncovers hidden gems from across the country, and unveils the rich symbolism that sweets often hold in Indian tradition.
So, whether you’re a dedicated dessert enthusiast or simply curious about India’s rich culinary heritage, tantalise your taste buds and learn how Indian sweets have become an irresistible part of the nation’s cultural identity.
You can find the e-book on Kindle here
Or you can also order a print version from Blue Rose Publishers here
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This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile
Queen of Treasures 
The idea 💡 about this book came to my mind on last Diwali when I was siting in front of a small pillar of sweet boxes gifted by neigbours and friends. To my surprise I found all containing different sweets and not a single common box. The idea voiced in my mind why not dig deep to find the history of these sweets and let the world know about our food culture….. that’s how Sweet Chronicles was born. I m immensely grateful to each and every contributor of this book and Ambica My MODAK AND KAJU KATLI 😃 for being a part of this journey ❤…. love you all
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It was a pleasure, Samata. You were so patient, and what a good idea to make our sweet cultural heritage a prized book!
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Now I need to order some sweets for myself. This was such a lovely concept for a book. I know the sweets made in my house on special occasions have similar familial histories.
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Truly, Indian mithais are a world unto themselves.
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It is truly an amazing book, beautifully compiled and executed. The stories behind each of the sweet is so captivating. Nice review which gives tantalizing glimpses of what is in store for the reader
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Yes, certainly it’s like chornicling the sweet culture of India. Enjoyed reading your story on Mysore Pak as well.
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Akkaravadisal too? Seems it explores a diverse variety of sweets and savorites..
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I would love to get my hand on this book coz cooking is one of my other hobbies and I m always looking around for new recipes to try out….and what more better to even learn the history behind them….
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Foodie like me who loves to explore diverse cultures and their culinary extravaganza to satiate not just the taste buds but also the curious mind would love to devour this book of culinary delights and the delicious journey each item on the book made to its present Avatar.
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This book sounds like a treasure trove! I love learning about food history and culinary traditions, and I have a huge sweet tooth, so I’m definitely going to look up this book!
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For someone who has a been blessed (or cursed) with a sweet tooth, this book certainly seems like a proper treasure!
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I also planned to contribute my piece to this wonderful anthology but unfortunately my health issues didn’t allow me to be part of it. When Samata shared her idea with me i was so glad to know that bcz history of sweets is indeed an amazing thing that would evoke attention to many readers. I shall grab my copy soon and delve into it. Congratulations to you, Ambica and also to Samata.
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A country, India, coming with a tradition, the true form of which got hidden and occupied, keep certain things-people coming together and entertain. The key to them, feast, and sweet dishes. The book is going to a wealth in keeping up with the sweet culture of the nation, and that was nice to read about it through Ambica’s familiarisation.
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Tempting post. I’m now inspired to hunt for Jaynagarer Moa, Akkaravadisal, and Hayagreeva Maddi in the streets of Delhi!
As someone who cherishes the flavors of Kaju Katli and Ukadiche Modak, I found the historical insights and regional specialties featured in the book to be both captivating and educational. It beautifully captures the essence of India’s diverse sweet traditions and their evolution over time. From the tug-of-war over Rasgulla between West Bengal and Odisha to the celebrated Modak in Maharashtra, each chapter unveils a new layer of India’s culinary heritage.
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I generally shy away from non-fiction but just because this one is based on food and you’ve picked Kaju Katli, which has now resulted in my salivating 😅, not to mention the way you’ve talked about it in this post. Uff! Seems like I might just pick it up
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Indian mithais are tempting! It’s difficult to write about food and not want it! 😛
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Without consuming sweets, any occasion is incomplete. Indian sweets express a lot of emotions like gratitude, respect, happiness, prosperity and sweets are also given to the guests in order to welcome them.
Salutes to sweet chronicles.
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Interesting concept. Sounds like a delicious, fun book! Now I feel like eating some sweets.
Congratulations to you and the entire team. Best wishes.
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wow. Kaju katli is my favourite as well. Nice research that went into this post. It made me so hungry Ambica. It’s all on you if I gain few pounds. 😀 😛
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Kaju Katli is loaded! Yes, reading also makes you gain a lot of pounds 😀
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Interesting post and book. My diabetes is in poor control though!
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Congratulations to you and the entire team. It is such an innovative idea to explore the history of sweets. I am urging to read more about the book and the recipes shared.
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It is a lovely read, particularly for a foodie. I also got a chance to contribute to the book. All thanks to Samata for bring out this “yummylicious” read.
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