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It has been said that the goddess of wealth aban-
doned the asuras (barbaric tribes) because their
womenfolk failed to keep household discipline. The rats,
cats, dogs and owls helped themselves freely with food.
The women used unclean fingers for the ghee and the
pickles. Away from such a situation, it is the duty of
a cultured wife to observe hygienic conditions and to
give her attention to the smallest of things.
Eff1Stiff
Susanskritopaskarya
It
is essential for a housewife, whilst being tidy in
her work, also to know the art of cooking. She must be
perfect in her judgement in order that she may not
have to use weights and measures for her ingredients,
but simply from experience she would be able to judge
how much salt or sugar is required. The food must be
so well prepared that all members of the family would
be delighted to partake of it. Let it not be said that
the food had no salt, or extra salt. Watch the fire so
that there is no extra heat which may burn the food;
also avoid less heat or the
rolls
will remain half-cooked.
Cook with exactness so that there is no waste.
It is said that the asuras lost their properties
because of the inability and carelessness of their wives,
Stale food was always served; food left overnight was
served in the morning and the food that was left over
in the morning was served in the evening. Their
women also did not know the art of cooking; they
showed ignorance about the different types of food and
the manner in which they should be served, with no
fixed time for the meals. The ingredients were not
mixed in correct proportions with the result that the
health of the family was endangered.
It is necessary for a housewife to have a knowledge
of domestic science, with a particular emphasis on