The word "chutney" is derived from the Sanskrit word "chutṇa," meaning "to lick." Chutneys have been a part of Indian cuisine since ancient times, with references to various types of chutneys found in ancient Indian texts like the Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita. Initially, chutneys were made with a mixture of fruits, vegetables, and spices, and were used as a digestive aid and to add flavor to food.