Cultivating an Industry: a Survey of the Lives of British Tea Planters in Assam, India, 1860-1936

Abstract

This paper examines the lives of British tea planters living in Assam, India during the mid-nineteenth century until the period prior to World War II. Examining their life stories will lead to a better understanding and appreciation for the legacy they left behind. This paper explores their responsibilities as planters toward their workers and their crops as well as other aspects of their lives such as their health, family, recreation, and duties to their country. The traditions and methods established by the tea planters in the early days of the tea industry have been passed on and are still used by the tea planters of today.