Paan dan facts for kids
A paan dan (pronounced "pahn dahn") is a special container used in homes across South Asia. It's like a fancy box for keeping all the ingredients needed to make paan. Paan is a mix of betel leaf and other things that people chew.
This container often holds the betel leaf itself, along with areca nut (called supari), a paste made from catechu (kattha), and a lime paste (choona). It can also store spices like clove and cardamom. Paan dans are usually made of metal, often silverware, and have different sections inside to keep each ingredient separate.
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What Does "Paan Dan" Mean?
The word "paan" comes from Sanskrit and refers to the combination of betel leaf and areca nut. This mix is very popular in South Asia and even in places like Taiwan.
The word "dan" is used in many Indo-Aryan languages. It simply means a "container" or a "box." So, a paan dan is literally a "paan box."
A Look Back: History of the Paan Dan
Paan dans, especially those made of silver, were very popular in the 1800s. For example, Wajid Ali Shah, who was the last ruler of the Kingdom of Oudh, used a paan dan every day. The British removed him from power in 1856.
His special paan dan was later given to Queen Mary in 1911 during her visit to India. She then gave it to the British Museum in 1912.
In the past, people often carried paan dans with them. It is said that dancing girls in the courts of Nawabs in Lucknow carried paan dans made of pure silver. These were decorated with beautiful designs from the Mughal Empire. Historically, people like field workers often chewed betel leaf and its seeds. It was believed to help them feel better and could also help with digestion.
How Big Are Paan Dans?
The size of a paan dan can be different, but a common size is about 3.93 inches (10 cm) tall. It might be around 10.43 inches (26.5 cm) wide and 7 inches (18 cm) long. They usually weigh about 2 pounds (0.9 kg).
How Paan Dans Are Made
Each paan dan is made by hand by skilled artists. This means every single one is unique and has its own special look. People can even order custom-made paan dans to match their own style.
Many local craftspeople put a small mark or signature on the bottom of their silverware. This is like a hallmark that shows who made it. Paan dans are usually made from silver. They are often covered with a special oil to keep the silver from getting dull or tarnished over time.
Paan Dans Today
People still use paan dans today to store their betel leaves and seeds. However, fewer people chew paan now than in the past. This has made it harder for the artists who craft these beautiful containers to make a living.
Even the tradition of giving paan dans as gifts at wedding ceremonies has become less common. Young people are often not interested in learning how to make them because there isn't as much demand for them. Chewing paan is mostly popular during special times like Ramadan.
Besides the plain betel leaves, people often enjoy paan where the seeds are wrapped in a betel leaf with lime paste and other flavors. Paan is thought to have some benefits, including helping with digestion.
