‘Fire’ is termed sacred in Hindu philosophy. ‘Agni’ is derived from Aga + Ni, Aga means does not move and Ni means movement, so Agni means – it gives movement to that which does not move. Famous author and historian Jack kelly say fire “ ignites our dreams & anxieties” and speaks to humans in a language more basic than thought.
Thus this festival of Deepavali also called Diwali is enduringly entertaining, this festival of lights where diyas ( clay lamps) are lit and a display of fireworks throughout the night is an enchanting phenomenon across the globe.
Air pollution caused by the use of firecrackers in current times, when they are very much affordable ( unlike back then in the ’80s) and extensively available across India for all to use, raises the question as to how far do firecrackers and fireworks really go in Indian history and how their availability and consumption has changed over time.
The use of fireworks in the celebration of Diwali which is so common in India now, came into existence around 1400AD when gunpowder came to be used in Indian warfare, Ref: historian PK Gode “ history of fireworks in India between 1400 & 1900 “ published in 1950.
One of the first firework shows in India was documented by Abdur Razzaq the ambassador of the Timurid Sultan Shahrukh, wherein he mentions that the Mahanavami festival celebrated by King Krishnadevaraya11 of Vijayanagar in 1443. He describes the grand celebration happening with various kinds of pyrotechnic fireworks, the sky was lit with brilliant flashes, the same was also mentioned by Italian writer and traveler Ludovico di Varthema who visited India during this period.
There are multiple articles written by Dr. Gustav Oppert ( german Indologist ) who has done extensive research and has been an authority on this subject, with his works being accepted & quoted by several books by authors & historians around the world, has categorically stated that the origin of gunpowder was in ancient India. Apart from the ancient Sanskrit texts which refer to Saltpetre as “Agnichurna“, its usage for producing smoke (to fight the enemy during the war) was documented 2300 years ago in Kautilya’s Arthasastra. Also, Chinese texts dating back to the 7th century had acknowledged that Indians were aware of Saltpetre and its usage for producing purple flames implying that it might be used for aesthetic purposes apart from the military.
As the Chinese continued to innovate further with different form factors like sparklers, light fountains, rockets, etc, they quickly sensed the business opportunity & began to export them to Europe & India. By the 16th century, fireworks had become one of the major sources of entertainment for Indian royalty. Grand fireworks during functions (especially weddings) costing a fortune had become a norm. In 1609, Adil Shah spent a whopping Rs 80,000 on fireworks alone.
However, in totality, the fireworks which were in the hands of super-rich class like Emperors and Kings were later used and displayed by temples in a controlled environment. Today however the mass abuse of the same has reached a highly dangerous and alarming state. The unfortunate misuse of firecrackers and plastic to have reached this terrifying stage is because of its easy availability and affordability. People using the same without thinking about its grave consequences. If both are used in a controlled way with restrictions and limitations it would have been much better for a greener and brighter world. Let us then pledge to celebrate with this awareness. Clearly the festival of light, Deepavali will remove the darkness in our mind and fill the same with bright wisdom.