In ancient India, kitchens were an important part of daily life, and some incorporated a built-in steam room known as a 'sweat bath.' These steam rooms were used for cooking, as well as for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The ancient Indians believed that steam had purifying properties and used it for various rituals and practices. The sweat baths in ancient Indian kitchens were typically made of stone and featured a system that produced steam. The steam would then be used for cooking, particularly for steaming rice, lentils, and vegetables. It was believed that steaming helped enhance the flavors and nutritional value of the food. The steam rooms also served as a place for meditation and relaxation, with the steam believed to cleanse the body and purify the mind. People would often spend time in the sweat baths, engaging in spiritual practices and seeking inner peace.
