India, March 27 -- Cooking utensils play a vital role in shaping the flavours and techniques of regional cuisines. They reflect and shape cultural and culinary practices.

In 1888, the Duke of Connaught and the Duchess travelled to and from Hyderabad with many staff members. The Nizam entertained the guests with royal splendour. However, during the return journey to Poona, the whole party was more or less ill, and with the exception of Dr Keith, the Duke's surgeon, the party recovered.

Keith's death and illness were attributed to cholera. But subsequent investigation revealed the old story - neglected cooking pots made of copper. It could be suspected that many an English traveller had died of so-called cholera in Colonial India, the sym...