Fish as forbidden food: The case of India

This paper is concerned with the avoidance of fish as human food in the Indian subcontinent and nearby areas, from a cultural and historical point of view. Three factors are identified that now influence, or may have once influenced people to avoid fish. First there is the view that fish are dirty creatures and that fishing and fish‐eating are low‐class activities; this is especially common in areas of nomadic tradition. Second there is belief in sacred water and sacred fish, in connection with the worship of particular deities such as Vishnu. There is also a commitment to ahlmsã and vegetarianism, concepts prominent in Jainism and other religions of Indian origin, and observed according to a person's role, class, and sectarian affiliation. The manifestation of attitudes against fishing and fish‐eating are considered, and the conclusion is reached that the above and other historical, sociocultural, and ecological factors must be weighed in order to gain a balanced view of fish use and use of other potential foods by man.