How caste-based discrimination and social conditions shaped the food habits of Marathwada Dalits

Bhakri (flatbread)

Bhakri is central to an everyday meal. It is mainly made of jowar or bajra. Bhakri made out of yellow jowar was also eaten. This is the crop grown during kharif or monsoon season. Children used to hate yellow-jowar bhakri because it was bitter. A tagari or katvat – a large, deep plate like a round tray – was used to knead the dough and also to flatten and roll out the bread. These plates were usually made of wood from trees such as neem, mango, jamun, rosewood and babool. But the Mahars and Mangs could not afford rosewood, so neem or other cheaper wood was used in their homes. Bhakris made in neem plates had a bitter taste. These wooden plates would warp and crack from their constant contact with water. The plate had two small handles to hold it firmly in place when using it for kneading or flattening out a bhakri.

Over time, the wooden plates became outdated and iron and brass ones became popular. A saying related to these metal plates was common in rural areas: “If your mind is clear and straight, you’ll see Ganges in your plate.” Just as you can see your reflection in...

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