Namkeen, a Hindi term meaning "savory" or "salty", refers to a wide range of Indian snacks that are savory rather than sweet. The history of namkeen dates back to ancient India, where snacks were made from locally available ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and spices. Over time, namkeen has evolved to include a diverse range of flavors and textures, with different regions of India specializing in their own unique variations.