Discuss how different features are used on this webpage to create an impression of

Indian culture

The text “India’s soul food” by Julie Sahni was published in a food column of the broadsheet
“the New York Times” on the 21st of August, 1988. The work serves the purpose of informing
the reader about one of India’s most important meals “the tandoori”, while simultaneously
highlighting its importance within Indian culture and history. Moreover, the article was published
in a time, when individuals did not have widespread access to the internet, as is the case today,
insinuating that Sahni’s work may have led to an increased awareness of Indian culture in a
predominantly Caucasian readership. The authorial choices including the use of personal
anecdotes, extensive imagery and historical or cultural references create an informative and
familiar tone, thereby aiding Sahni in conveying the different aspects of Indian culture to the
audience.

The author of this article uses a plethora of written and visual elements to fulfill the purpose of her
article of making the audience more aware of Indian cuisine. The title “India’s soul food” is short, yet
very effective. By informing the reader on the topic and culture that is going to be discussed in the
column, the title manages to target an audience that is interested in the cuisine of other countries
and its cultural significance. The metaphor present in the word “soul” highlights the importance of the
traditional dish in Indian communities as it forms part of their identity and culture. The column is
introduced with an image depicting a typical Indian tandoori meal. By using visual elements
alongside the text, Sahni successfully increases the attention of the audience, thereby creating a
more memorable effect. Moreover, it may further aid in targeting the correct audience as an image
depicting a delicious meal may grab the attention of food fanatics. In the first sentence of the article,
the writer further places emphasis on the importance of this particular dish in an Indian family. By
using a simile when comparing a tandoori meal to the familiar concept of a “Sunday Supper”, Sahni
creates a point of comparison for an American audience, thereby aiding them in understanding that
not only the food but also the experience the meal involves are of significance to Indian society.
Sahni proceeds to recount an anecdote of a tandoori meal she has shared with her own family and
friends. By portraying her own personal experience and simultaneously engendering a familiar tone,
she creates a personal connection with the reader and additionally proves her legitimacy by
demonstrating that she is not merely an American food journalist attempting to westernise this
traditional meal. The use of imagery, such as “cool breezes”, “juicy morsels'' and“sweet smoky
aroma” in the anecdote and throughout the entirety of the text, enable the reader to transpose
themselves into a typical Indian Tandoori meal and imagine all of its joyful moments. The writer
reveals that the Tandoori is enjoyed by both children and adults, illustrating that it is an event that is
of importance across all age groups within a family. All of these elements in conjunction with each
other emphasise the value Indian societies place on taking time out of their daily lives to enjoy
moments with family and friends, thereby demonstrating that a solitary life is not the ideal in an
Indian society. Lastly, Sahni asserts that a Tandoori is “low in fat and cholesterol” and has a “rich
flavour” due to the way it is prepared. In doing so, she suggests that Indian culture attaches great
importance to a healthy diet and the use of a wide range of spices and colours in their dishes .

The historical references employed to explain the origin of the tandoori meal offer a glimpse into

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 Indian culture and the role its history has played in shaping it. The audience learns that the tandoori
“originated in Syria”, which exemplifies how Indian culture has been shaped by other cultures over
the years and hints at the multiculturality present within Indian culture and communities.
Furthermore, when describing the first appearance of the Tandoori in India in the 19th, Sahni
explains that it originated from “Peshwar in Pakistan” which was “then part of India''. In doing so, she
alludes to the decades-long border struggle that has gravely impacted and influenced both Indian
and Pakistani culture. However, she also demonstrates that the Tandoori meal is meant to be a joyful
and enjoyable experience for Indians and Pathans alike, signifying that such conflicts should be
disregarded. Moreover, Sahni reveals that Indian and Pakistan culture display some similarities, as
the two neighbouring countries have heavily influenced each other throughout history and greatly
value their respective traditions and heritages.

The societal aspect of the Pandoori meal is a further factor touched upon by the writer that aids the
reader in gaining a deeper understanding of Indian culture and society. Sahni describes the
Pandoori meal as having been labeled “low-class” and consequently not eaten by upper-class as it
was considered “taboo”. In doing so she accentuates the impact the ever-present caste system in
India has had on society in the past and the changes that have taken place in recent years.
Additionally, she displays the degree to which this social hierarchy is embedded within Indian culture
as it dictates a wide range of aspects of Indian citizen’s life such as the food they eat as is discussed
in the article. Nonetheless, Sahni suggests that the significance of the caste system has lessened
over time as “eventually” members of the upper classes disregarded their position in society in order
to be able to savor the traditional dish. The preparation of the Tandoori is characterised by its
accessibility by all social classes as no extensive cooking materials such as “tandoor clay” are
needed for its preparation. Moreover, the author mentions that the chicken in the dish can be
replaced with fish and vegetables options, suggesting that individuals all over India are able to enjoy
the meal as they are not restricted by the sometimes high prices of chicken. By detailing precisely
the process of making a Tandoori meal in the last paragraph, Sahni once more attempts to
demonstrate that Indian people are very open to sharing their cultures and cuisine with other
individuals around the world and have great pride in doing so.

In closing, Sahni manages to effectively bring her audience closer to Indian culture by alluding to the
historical or societal aspects of the “Tandoori meal” and engendering a familiar and informative tone.
Particularly the imagery employed throughout the text and the visual elements create a lasting effect
on the reader, thereby fulfilling the purpose of the column of informing the audience on this typical
Indian dish.

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