The story of Assam tea is deeply rooted in the region’s history, culture, and colonial legacy. Assam is the largest tea-producing state in India, contributing significantly to both the national economy and global tea markets. Here is an overview of its fascinating journey:
In 1823, Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer, discovered wild tea plants in the Assam region with the help of the Singpho tribe, who were already brewing tea from these plants. This variety, later classified as Camellia sinensis var. assamica, was distinct from the Chinese tea plant (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis).
After Robert Bruce’s death, his brother Charles Alexander Bruce sent samples of the plant to the Calcutta Botanical Gardens for study. The British recognized its potential for commercial cultivation.
In 1834, the British government formed a Tea Committee to explore tea cultivation in India. By 1837, the first commercial tea garden was established at Chabua in Upper Assam.
The Assam Tea Company was formed in 1839 to oversee large-scale production. This marked the beginning of organized tea plantations in Assam.
Maniram Dewan, an Assamese entrepreneur, became one of the first Indians to start tea plantations but faced opposition from British planters. He was later executed for participating in the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.
By the mid-19th century, Assam’s tea industry expanded rapidly with large tracts of land converted into plantations. However, early years were challenging due to a lack of expertise and harsh working conditions for laborers.
The introduction of mechanized processes like steam-powered rolling machines in the 1870s improved productivity and profitability.
Assam’s tropical climate, with high rainfall (250–300 mm daily during monsoons) and high humidity, creates greenhouse-like conditions ideal for growing robust black teas known for their malty flavor and bright color .
Most plantations are located along the Brahmaputra Valley, with districts like Jorhat (known as the “Tea Capital of the World”), Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Golaghat being major hubs.
Assam tea became a cornerstone of British trade by the late 19th century. By 1888, Indian tea exports surpassed those from China.
Today, Assam remains one of the world’s largest tea-producing regions, contributing nearly 50% of India’s total tea production. Its teas are widely used in blends like English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast teas.
Assam tea is not just an agricultural product but also a cultural symbol for its people. It provides livelihoods to millions and remains a key driver of Assam’s economy.
This rich history highlights how Assam transformed into a global hub for premium-quality black tea under both indigenous efforts and colonial influence.