https://www.hookahcompany.com/hookah_history.htm

Have a look at this

For history of Hookah, Rambabu has given an appropriate link. So no need to add more information. However, I must add that hookah has been since time immemorial a token of  social relationship. The villagers smoke hookah turn by turn in village chaupal (social gathering.  When they boycott somebody,  they say that his Hooka Paanee has been stopped. 

Welcome. True Hookah smoking is prevalent in most of the parts Hyderabad and the rural regions of AP

History of hookah shows it gave a perennial cough to those who smoked it and also shortened their life.

I know Hookah is as bad as smoking.. And it is understood that hookah smokers will have the same bad effects as smoking

Yeah, But hookah isn't more harmful than cigarette smoking. I'm an everyday hookah smoker without any health issues. My hookah session holds quality hookah parts.

Found a useful resource that defines the great history of Hookah

https://bestofhookah.com/top-10-things-every-hookah-lover-must-know/