We all know that India’s uniqueness lies in the sheer depth of its diversity. Though our culture and traditions are seldom easily distinguished, with differing practices sometimes even within the same village, this invisible line quietly insists otherwise. It surprisingly manages to split our geography in two, the north-west and south-east giving contrasting insights into dietary habits, agricultural practices, and cultural norms of the two regions. Understanding this divide offers a window into India’s complex societal fabric.
Lactose Tolerance
The kitchens of the north-west are unimaginable without milk and dairy products. This is due to the prevalence of an extremely important gene mutation. The 13910*T allele allows for digestion of dairy well into adulthood. This means items like paneer, ghee, and dahi become irreplaceable from diets. But travelling down to coastal Kerala, the scenery changes. Here, coconut milk replaces cow’s milk in curries, and dairy takes a backseat. Almost 60% of India’s population is actually lactose intolerant.
Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism presents an interesting paradox in India. Despite both north-west and south-east India being predominantly Hindu, dietary patterns diverge sharply. In the north and west, vegetarianism is more prevalent due to the influence of Vaishnavism and Jainism which emphasizes non-violence. Additionally, the region’s higher reliance on dairy products like milk, curd, and ghee provided a nutritional substitute for meat making vegetarianism easier to sustain.
In contrast, the south and east follow Shaivism and Shaktism which places lesser emphasis on vegetarianism. Animal sacrifice in many temples of the region is still a common practice, reinforcing a cultural acceptance of meat consumption. Moreover, abundant seafood availability in these regions naturally shaped more diverse, meat-inclusive diets. This created a clear dietary divide despite shared religious roots.
Cow Slaughter
In the north and west, where dairy is central to nutrition cows became economically and culturally invaluable, thus reinforcing their sacred status. This naturally led to strict cow slaughter laws in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. In contrast, the south and east, where lactose intolerance is significantly higher, meat remains a critical source of protein. Among Christian-majority states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya less cultural or nutritional reliance on dairy meant cow slaughter laws remained relaxed, thus highlighting how geography, culture, and dietary adaptation shaped laws as well.
Wheat vs Rice
Another stark divide is between wheat and rice consumption. This is primarily driven by geography and agricultural suitability. In the north and west, where the climate is drier and the soil better supports wheat cultivation, wheat-based diets like rotis, parathas, and naans became dietary staples. In contrast, the south and east, blessed with heavy rainfall naturally gravitated towards rice cultivation.
Diabetes
Another fascinating divide appears in health patterns, especially around high blood sugar levels in southern and eastern India. Rice, the staple food of these states is known to cause rapid spike in blood sugar after consumption due to its high glycemic index. In contrast, northern and western India predominantly consume wheat which has a lower glycemic index helping maintain more stable blood sugar levels. Adding to this, the hot and humid climate in the south and east often discourages physical activity during the day, gradually increasing the risk of insulin resistance. This subtle combination of diet and climate quietly also shaped regional health outcomes.
Despite these contrasts, the line remains unnoticed, blending seamlessly into India’s broader identity, making it one of the most intriguing divides in the world.
