Islam arrived in India during the eighth century. Moslems believe in one god, Allah, and follow the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, contained in the Koran. The word Sikha means disciples. The Sikhs sacred book is kept in the Golden Temple of Amritsar. FOOD Indian food is as varied as its terrain and its people.
Religion also has a major impact on regional food.
Many Hindus are strict vegetarians although some eat fish and chicken. The cow is sacred to Hindus around the world. Moslems do not eat any pig products. As in regional cooking around the world, recipes depend on what is grown, caught or otherwise available locally. Food is flavoured with spices such as chilli, coriander, ginger and tumeric.