Ancient texts and beliefs tell us that, about 5000 years ago, it was Maharishi Sushruta, the father of Surgery, and author of foundational ayurvedic texts, who invented the first “Laddu” of the world, as a medicinal supplement, blending jaggery, sesame seeds, with honey, and herbs. He ingeniously employed them as antiseptic aids in his practices, realizing their potential. The concoction he used for medicinal purposes is well known today as Til-laddu or Seasame seed balls.
Our culinary journey through laddus takes us to the 11th-century AD Western Indian cookbook known as Lokopakara. Within its pages rest the first documented mention of laddu as a nutritious delight.
Interesting Fact: The term "laddu" originates from the Sanskrit word "ladduka," meaning a small ball. It has been referred as “Laddu, Unde, Unda, Undrallu and even modak across regions and variations.
Credible evidence Laddu=Nutrition
Recent research by the Archaeological Survey of India reveals that the ancient Harappan civilization, about 4,000 years ago, consumed high-protein multigrain 'laddus.' These food balls, discovered in Rajasthan, served both as sustenance and in rituals and offerings, shedding light on the Harappan people's dietary practices. (Link)
Although laddus were invented for medicinal and nutrition purposes, they solely with global and cultural influences over the history of Bharat evolved in to delicious dessert that was loved by everyone. India is a diverse country with different climates, cuisines, and nutritional needs. Thus, hundreds of varieties of nutritious laddus emerged to suit the local availability of ingredients and the preferences of the people.
Mothers and grandmothers of India have been passing these nutritious delicacies generation after generation, nurturing civilization. No food on earth can perhaps claim to be as trusted and nutritious as grandmother’s nutritious laddus. This journey through time not only reveals the rich heritage of laddus but also underscores their enduring presence in India's cultural and culinary narrative as a rich, nutritional, and healthy delight.
