India ranks second globally in tea production, yielding over 9,00,000 tonnes annually.
Although herbal tea has been native to India for millennia, commercial green tea production started with the British East India Company. who established large tea estates in Assam in the 1830s, initially with plants imported from China.
Tea cultivation in India began in the 1800s when the British sought to challenge China's tea monopoly, starting with plantations in Darjeeling. But it wasn't until the British arrived that it became a commercial crop. They introduced a tea plant known as Camellia sinensis var Assamica, which sparked large-scale tea cultivation in the country.
Robert Bruce, a Scottish explorer, discovered native tea plants in Assam, but it was efforts by the British that eventually played a significant role in India's tea history. The British promoted tea consumption in India, initially as an export commodity, but its popularity grew domestically, especially among the upper classes. The habit of tea drinking was initially prevalent among British colonisers and the upper classes, who introduced it to Indian society.
Over time, tea became popular among royals and the aristocracy. Initially, it was mainly exported, but as production increased and prices dropped, Indians also started consuming it. Following the British example, many Indians began adding milk and sugar to their tea, leading to widespread consumption and addiction.
Despite some opposition, including disapproval from leaders like Mahatma Gandhi who viewed tea as a symbol of imperialism, the British succeeded in popularising tea consumption in India. This contributed to the growth of tea culture and became a significant element in the Indian economy.
However, the East India Company aimed to further increase profits by selling tea to Indians. They implemented strategic measures such as distributing free tea packets, opening tea stalls at transportation hubs and entertainment venues, and teaching homemakers how to brew tea. This marketing strategy portrayed tea as a drink for the masses, ensuring a large customer base.
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