National College of Arts

Research Proposal: Spices of India: Turmeric – A Cure To Malady

Name: ZEB ARSHAD

M.Phil (First Year)
Roll no: MCS – 06
South Asian Visual Culture
Date: 25-02-2020
 Spices of India: Turmeric – A Cure To Malady
Abstract
A spice is a pungent or aromatic substance of vegetable origin, as pepper, cinnamon, or cloves, used as
seasoning, preservatives or a reason of flavouring. Spices are defined as a strongly flavoured ingredient,
extracted from tropical plants which are commonly being used as a condiment. In olden times, the
spices were considered as significant as medicine or fragrances likewise as precious as metal, gold or
jewels. Out of all countries around the world, India remarkably is noteworthy for cultivating all kinds of
quality spices which comes from its state, Kerala. Out of 80 types of the spices grown around the world,
India is produces 50 of them alone. Due to climatic changes, all spices of all seasons are grown in the
country. Apart from adding colour, flavor, taste, seasoning, use of spices leads to many health benefits.
One must be enough creative in the use of spices to get a better result. Some of the spices may be
consumed as a substitute for our costly beauty products and medicines. Out of all other spices, turmeric
is an ancient spice which is extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, which is from the ginger
family. Other than serving as a condiment or flavor, turmeric has been used for medicinal purposes in
India for centuries. It has been used in traditional methods of curing diseases like cough, diabetic
wounds and sinusitis. After examining turmeric is approved to be used without any toxic effects.
Therefore, turmeric and its constituent ‘curcumin have the medicinal potential for the treatment
purposely for arthritis, rheumatism or joints malfunctioning, which is increasing day by day.

The purpose behind the proposal is to reconnoiter about different effective methods to produce a cure
for joints inflammation which causes immobility and disseminating in youngsters as well. A medication
be developed purposely which can be applied externally, containing a raw form of turmeric. A raw form
being the most effective and chemical free drug will eventually result in relief.

INTRODUCTION

Background

The history of spices is as old as the human civilization. Indian spices are well known for their taste and
strong aromatic piquancy. Turmeric is the oldest spice, native of South Asia used as a dye and a
condiment. It is cultivated largely in Bengal, China, Taiwan, Australia, Sri Lanka and West Indies. Even
today it is used in Hindu rituals, being un-synthesized and natural. It is being used in dying holy robes.
Turmeric is the cheapest of all spices. It has been used to treat multiple ailments. The primitive and the
widespread use of turmeric in India is in marriages, the rubbing and covering the bodies of the bridal
couple with rhizome, being the protruding part of the Hindu rites. One of the objectives behind is to
produce empathy between the two and secondly protecting the couple from evil spirits. Whenever you
come across some news about turmeric’ medicinal properties, some herbs may not work in animals as
well in human beings. However, turmeric has been promising in curing a variety of illnesses like
infections, digestive problems and for reducing inflammation. Indian food is distinctive in its flavor and
yellow colour, turmeric is behind this widely liked cuisine. The substance curcumin in turmeric is a string
anti-oxidant, used to scavenge the free radicals (damaging particles in the body, causes harm to the cell
membrane and even cause cell loss). Anti-oxidant may defuse the free radicals and prevent the damage
to some extent.
LITERATURE REVIEW

Turmeric considered as the Golden spice, practically been used in India for over 6000 years with no side
effects, not only as an ingredient of food but also to treat a variety of diseases. Turmeric was made
known to Europe in the 13th century by Arab and after Marco Polo’s visit to India and China in 1280. A
Portuguese Sailor, Vasco De Gama first introduced spices to the West during 15 th century. Turmeric was
used especially