Summers in India can be sweltering. The heat can literally turn cities into ovens with people falling sick because of the heat. In times like these, few people can take advantage of air conditioners or coolers. But our ancestors used a very affordable alternative to combat this weather.
This humble grass, also called vetiver or Khus, was more than just a plant. It functioned as a natural air-conditioner. Diwans would sprinkle water on these Khus curtains. Walk into a Mughal-era dwelling on a blistering hot day, and you'd see khus mats draped over doors and windows. These weren't just for show. When dampened, these mats worked magic. Hot air would sweep through them and emerge cool and fragrant on the other side. Mughal emperor championed this art and the production of Khus deeply flourished during his reign.
Khus has time and again been invented in various ways long after the time of the Mughals. Remember those window coolers where Khus formed an important base! Khus was the star of the show there too. Those coolers, with their distinctive hum and khus-scented breeze, were lifesavers for countless middle-class Indian families.
Even now, in India's villages, khus keeps doing its thing. You'll find it in thatched roofs and window screens, still keeping homes cool the old-fashioned way. It's like a living link to our past, a reminder that sometimes the old ways are the best ways.
Khus is not just used for its cooling benefits but also add as a special ingredient in festivities. In Bihar, it is a part of customary tradition. Women gather to craft dolls from dried khus grass, keeping ancient customs alive. And let's not forget the Sikki handicrafts – an age-old art form that relies on khus and supports many artisan families.
From royal palaces to village huts, from cooling systems to handicrafts, khus has been a silent hero in Indian life for centuries. It's not just a plant; it's a piece of our history, a natural wonder that's been making Indian summers bearable for generations. In a world of high-tech solutions, khus reminds us that sometimes, the best answers are the simplest ones – and they might just be growing right under our noses.
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