The culture of prohibition in Gujarat, India

Abstract

The idea of Gujarat conjures a number of often contradictory and paradoxical images. This is certainly true for the well-known comparison of the region’s Gandhian past with modern branding of politicized Hinduism). It is also true in the relation between the forces of altruism and egoism which are evident in much of the state’s history. In this chapter, a focus on the role of drink and drinking in the region also brings to light the many paradoxical facets of Gujarati society, ideas and history