Mithila Makhana (botanical name: Euryale ferox Salisbury) is a special variety of aquatic fox nut cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar. Makhana is also termed as Makhaan in Maithili. It is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the Goddesses during festivals and is used to show reverence. It is one of the three prestigious cultural identities of Mithila: Pond, Fish and Makhan
“Makhana” is derived from the Sanskrit word for grain Mak. Mak is the meaning of sacrifice. Grain that is widely used in sacrifice. Mithila Makhana has Large spherical leaf, dark purple flowers, medium to large size fruit; bold, small, round, oval, smooth and slightly rough outer seed coat surface with thick to very thin seed coat in comparison to other genotypes.
Mithilanchal region (holy land of Ma Vaidehi / Sita) of North Bihar is the principal area of its present existence where it is extensively cultivated considered as a potential aquatic cash crop besides extensive and intensive cultivation of this crop in lowland field condition in Mithilanchal region of Bihar.
Image credit: indiamart.com
Biological classification of Mithila Makhana is as given below.
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliphyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Nymphaeales
Family : Nymphaceae
Genus : Euryale
Species : Ferox
In a Sanskrit Book Shardhchintamanih it is mentioned that Makhana is grown water bodies, their rhizomes, seeds and pop are used as eatables by making different types of food ingredients. In religious and cultural functions in Mithila region of Bihar can’t be started without offering of Makhana to Goddess. It symbolises like rising sun
Harvesting and processing (roasting and popping) of Makhana seed to popped lava by traditional method is a unique and indigenous techniques of fishermen community of Mithilanchal region of Bihar.
It is one of the most common dry fruits utilized by the people due to low fat content, high contents of carbohydrates, protein and minerals. Both raw and fried Makhana are fairly rich in essential amino acids. Edible perisperm constitutes 80 per cent starch. Makhana is a store house of macro and micro-nutrients.
The seeds are eaten raw or roasted. The seeds are sold in market and used as a farinaceous food. A lot of medicinal uses are recommended in the Indian system of medicine. Makhana is recommended for treatment of diseases regarding respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems, etc.
Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine recommends makhana to be beneficial in Tridosas (the seminal Ayurvedic theory of diagnosing diseases on the basis of three principal defects of the body), especially in Vata (rheumatic disorders) and Pitta (bile disorders).
GI Tag Registration Date : 16 August 2022
GI Tag Number : 696
Certificate Number : 421
Geographical Area : Bihar
Special Cover Release Date : 05 September 2021
Cancellation : Darbhanga 846 005
Type : Special Cover
Cover Identification Number : BH-13/September,2021
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