Due to numerous health benefits, its social acceptance,
popularity and the associated religious sanctity, Tambula consumption was
widespread among the general public and nobles. Elaborate rules were also
formulated on the consumption and use of Tambula and its ingredients.
Custom of removing the mid rib, tip and the petiole of
betel leaf before applying lime came to practice. It was recommended to spit
the saliva twice, while chewing Tambula.
The first mouthful of saliva was considered poison and the second one
was difficult to digest and thereafter it can be swallowed and believed to be
useful to the body.
Texts indicate that those fasting as a penance or as
part of a regime of regular religious observances (for example, ekādaśī) are
not to eat Tambula as per Dharmasindhu (1790 CE). Further, Itihāsopaniṣad, states
that a person giving funeral oblations to his ancestors should not consume
Tambula, although the deceased ancestor(s) may be offered Tambula. As per Dharmaśāstra,
ascetics, widows, and those performing penance or rites for their deceased
ancestors should not consume Tambula. Vṛddha Hārīta (Approximately 900 CE)
prescribes that a widow should give up adorning her hair, chewing Tambula, and
taking two meals a day, and should rather wear a white garment, rein in her
senses, and so on. Tambula consumption was forbidden for the persons suffering
from gum damage, tooth decay, eye ailments, hysteria, mental disorder and
rakt-pitta as per Bhavaprakasha written by Bhavamisra.
King Someswara III of the Chalukya dynasty, who ruled
Southern India (AD 1122-1133) has written an encyclopedic text called
Manasollasa. In that he has listed
twenty types of royal enjoyments. Among them perfumes and scented articles were
used in Snaana bhogah (enjoyment of bath), Tambula bhogah (enjoyment of betel
leaf chewing), Vilepana bhogah (enjoyment of anointing the body),
Maalyopabhogah (enjoyment of flower garlanding) and Dhupa bhogah (enjoyment of
incense). He has given an elaborate account of Tambula bhogah. It says,
areca-nuts obtained from Nailaavartti, Isvarpura and Kandikapura were
considered best. Betel leaves collected from one-year-old creeper nourished
with river water are considered best. Areca nuts were dried in shade and
perfumed with Musk water. Musk camphor, Kakkola (Piper cubeba also called tailed/ Java pepper), nutmeg, Khadirasara
(Catechu powder) blended with musk, sandal and camphor water were used as
ingredients of Tambula.
Jyotirnibandha written by Shivraj in AD 1524,
prescribes that three parts nut, two parts betel leaf, one-part catechu and
lime make an ideal Tambula. Apparently, the composition prescribed is based on
weight. As per this treatise, the Tambula prepared as per this formula, shall
produce pungency, bitterness, heat, sweetness, saltiness, power to remove vata,
possess antiseptic character, remove phlegm, excite passion, beautify the mouth,
purify the mouth, and remove all bad odour from the mouth. The work also
indicates that different numbers of areca nut consumption confer differing outcomes: one
produces happiness; two bear's fruit; three brings loss; four causes pain of
misery; six causes death. It also contains series of
rules about the appropriate numbers of Tambula to be included for distinct
ranks of recipient: 32 for the king; 24 for a tributary prince; 18 for a
son-in-law; 12 for a learned man; 10 for a bride; 8 for all respectable
people; 4 for ordinary people; 6 for enemies.
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