#Chai or #indiantea has indigenous origin traced in Assam. Assam tea is different from China variety and we have a glorious history of tea plantation that fuelled freedom movement during British regime in this part of the country.

*From an old post, read thread.*

In 1830,Scottish explorer Robert Bruce accompanied by Maniram Baruah took a sip of local 'phanap' offered by Singpho king Bisa Gam, mesmerised Bruce wanted know more about the variety.He took seeds-leaves but died before it was tested.

In 1833 under the aegis of his brother Charles it was found that Assam tea is different from Chinese variety.They are from the same family but Assam one had own identity.The differences were prominently described by then Kolkata botanical Garden superintendant Nathainal Wallis.

The British were smart enough to imagine it's potential and on behalf of East India Company Nathainal Wallis met Ahom kingdom representative & first Assamese tea industrialist Maniram Baruah.Later Maniram Baruah got a job as Dewan for 200/-a month to look after the cultivation.

British could amplify own tea business ending the monopoly of Chinese tea trade with Assam tea, this was impossible without Maniram Baruah's support/ help. But, educated local friend Maniram soon become hostile. Completely fed up with British dominance Maniram Baruah revolted.

Everything was smooth until 1840. In that year Maniram Baruah left his company job & started his own tea garden.The first tea garden by Assamese was set up in Chenimara, Jorhat.He knew the A to Z of business & was super confident.He later started tea garden in Sivasagar too.

That was the time of sepoy mutiny, Maniram Baruah hoped to end British rule & dreamt of Assamese control on tea trade.But destiny! Maniram Baruah with Piyali Baruah were publicly hanged on 26th February,1858 at Jorhat jail.His death stirred the emotion among tea workers, public.

In last centuries Assam Tea industry faced so any obstacles but never gave up on it's enthusiasm and hope.There were no downsizing & even during corona lockdown it was fully functional with 100% workforce.
Assam/NE is not in China & painful seeing this ignorance/racist approach!