Part 2/8:
Our journey begins in the mid-12th century with King Someswara III, the ruler of the Western Chalukya Empire in Southern India. Not just content with ruling, Someswara earned the title "sarvanya bupa," meaning "the king who knows everything." His hunger for knowledge led him to compile the Mānasollāsa, an encyclopedic work that details royal life in medieval India.
The Mānasollāsa covers a broad array of topics — from astronomy to music and architecture. However, it is the third book that catches our attention, as it discusses how to feed a king — a task at which Someswara excelled. Among the savory recipes penned in this historical document, his rendition of payasam stands out, demonstrating that even the divine felt the need for delectable food.