What is a Hookah?

This post introduces you to the world of hookah.
So what is a hookah?
A hookah (Hindustani: हुक़्क़ा (Devanagari), حقّہ (Nastaleeq) huqqah)^[1][2] also known as a waterpipe^[3] is a single or multi-stemmed (often glass-based) instrument for smoking in which the smoke is cooled and filtered by passing through water. The fruit smoked is referred to as shisha orsheesha.

                The concept of hookah originated In India,^[20] once the province of the wealthy, it was tremendously popular especially during Mughal rule. The hookah has since become less popular; however, it is once again garnering the attention of the masses, and cafés and restaurants that offer it as a consumable are popular. The use of hookahs from ancient times in India was not only a custom, but a matter of prestige. Rich and landed classes would smoke hookahs.

             Tobacco is smoked in hookahs in regions as per traditional customs. Smoking a tobacco-molasses shisha is now becoming popular amongst the youth. There are several chain clubs, bars and coffee shops in India offering a wider variety of mu‘assels, including non-tobacco versions.