Throughout history, ancient Indian cultures embraced intoxicants such as toddy and cannabis, weaving them into the fabric of religious and martial practices. Under colonial rule, the British imposed taxes on distilled beverages while limiting local production…

Varuni, the goddess of wine, churned out of the ocean of milk, joined Indra and transformed Swarga into paradise. So say the Puranas. However, very little is mentioned about Varuni in popular lore. S…