The Sandip Roy Show How we love the mango but know very little about it ft Sopan Joshi
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Jul 23, 2025 Sopan Joshi, an independent journalist and author of 'Mangifera Indica,' dives into the world of mangoes, revealing their deep-rooted cultural significance in India. The discussion highlights the mango's historical journey and genetic diversity, comparing Indian varieties to those from Southeast Asia. Joshi challenges common perceptions around mango cultivation, shedding light on modern agricultural pressures and the need for sustainable practices. Through personal anecdotes, he captures the nostalgia and communal joy that mangoes bring to Indian life.
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Mango's Unique Cultural Roots
- India's relationship with the mango is unique and deeply cultural but disconnected from its origins.
- The mango flower, not the fruit, has predominantly influenced Indian art, literature, and symbolism.
Mango's Ancient Indian Origin
- The mango likely evolved on the Indian tectonic plate after it separated from Gondwana land.
- Fossil evidence suggests mango origins in what is now northeast India, dating back 56-59 million years.
Indian Mango's Genetic Wealth
- Southeast Asia has greater mango species diversity, but India's Mangifera indica has unmatched varietal richness.
- This is due to Mangifera indica being monoembryonic and heterozygous, enabling more variety than the polyembryonic clones common in Southeast Asia.
