History of tea industry and status of tea garden workers of Assam

Abstract

The tea cultivation of Assam is a century old practice. It was first started by the British and has continued till date with full glory. In fact Assam alone produces more than half of India’s total tea produce. Such is the glory of Assam Tea. However the people working in the Tea gardens live a life full of misery and sufferings. These tribal people have been exploited since the ancient times. No Industry can flourish if the engine that fuels its growth is not nourished. Likewise the Tea industry has seen a lot of ups and downs in recent times. Hence a study on Tea industry is essential. This paper explores the origin of Tea cultivation in Assam and the status of the tea garden workers. Finally suggestions are put forward for the upliftment of this downtrodden section of the society.