Contextualising tobacco use in the social, economic and political transformation of Punjab

Abstract

This review article provides a historical context of tobacco use in Punjab, determined by the sociopolitical transitioning of this pre-colonial province to an autonomous Indian State. Although these events were marked by a complex historical process, the state’s retention of its culture offers an interesting aspect of this development. For instance, these events have been marked from the conception of Sikhism to the changing borders of the territory of Punjab while positioning the use of tobacco within these boundaries. This social, economic and developmental history of Punjab has therefore been a subject of interest to the academic scholars and makers of tobacco-related policies.

Keywords:

• Tobacco history
• socioeconomic
• history of Punjab
• tobacco agriculture
• tobacco use

Notes

1 Khatri is a community which originated in Punjab and the word is derived from Kshatriya meaning the warrior and the ruling class. They played an important role in India’s trans regional trade during Mughal period.

2 Indian water pipe used for smoking tobacco

3 A traditional agricultural community in Punjab which follows Sikh religion

4 Sikh religion

5 Code of conducts and conventions which a created to standardize practical and functional aspects of Gurdwaras (place of worship for Sikhs)

6 http://www.sikhs.org/art9.htm

7 It is the name of River Indus (Sindh) in the north western frontier province of Pakistan.

8 It is the name of present district of Hisar in Haryana state

9 It means Waheguru meaning the Wonderful Lord.

10 Persian word meaning landowner

11 Under this system a representative field of every crop was taken, and its yield was estimated. Out of the total yield a portion as paid to the state authorities as land revenue, meaning the revenue was paid in kind.

12 Amounts to one sixteenth of a Rupee

13 Equals to 37 kilograms

14 Sun dried flake tobacco put into a conical shape of temburni leaf and the roll is secured with a thread

15 The region of Punjab south to river Sutlej

16 Covers the area between Beas and Ravi River in Punjab

17 One of the most significant changes which took place during Green Revolution was the increase in the quality irrigation amounting to an increase in irrigation coverage. Green Revolution gave Punjab a lead in the terms of economic growth and transformation, putting it as India’s most prosperous states. Over three decades Punjab remained number one in the terms of per capita income ranking in India during the years of 1970s, 80s and 90s. Green Revolution was needed for food security leading to modern agricultural practices which was supported by extensive research and assured market system.

18 Preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut

19 Hindu reform movement which promotes values and practices based on authority of Vedas

20 Akalis are the members of Shiromani Akali Dal which is a political party in Punjab

21 This statement was made by a representative of the Punjab farms organisation, Christian Science Monitor, 30^th may, 1984.

22 This increased the drugs smuggled in Punjab which were used by the Sikh militant groups to finance their operations.

23 Chewing tobacco preparation made of tobacco, crushed areca nut, catechu, paraffin wax, slaked lime and sweet or savory flavours

24 A mixture of areca nut with slaked lime, catechu and other flavoring agents

25 The instruments such as tax reduction, incentives, grants and subsidies applied by government to support various organisations and individuals.

26 Opium, heroin and poppy husk are most commonly consumed drugs in Punjab. The consumption of tobacco does not inhibit the daily activities of the person as is the case with these drugs.

27 Religious place of worship of Sikhs

28 According to Punjab Opioid Dependence Survey, 2015 carried in the age group of 18-35 years showed that 56% of the opium users in Punjab belong to rural areas. Most commonly used opium drug is heroin (53%) followed by opium/dodda/phukki (33%). Rests 14% use the pharmaceutical opioids. This study estimated that around 2.3 lakh people in Punjab are opium dependent which forms around 1%. But the drug economy of Punjab not only provides high profits but is also used for political gains. Punjab being a border area, the neighbouring countries use it to spread Narcoterrorism and fund terrorist activities.