After reading the chapter "Tea from Assam" we got to know about the origin of tea. There are two stories related to how drinking of this beverage ( TEA) was started in the world. FIRST:- There was an emperor who used to boil the water before drinking it. One day when he was boiling water in the pot ,some leaves fell into the pot and gave the water a pleasant smell and taste. It is said that those leaves were tea leaves and from then onwards tea was used by people as beverage. Another one is an Indian story :- Once there was a Buddhist ascetic , Bodhidharma who cut his eyelids because he used to feel sleepy during meditations it is said that tea plants grew up from those cut eyelids.
We also got to know that tea was drunk in China as far as around 2700 B.C .Words like Chini,chai ,tea are from Chinese.Tea came to Europe only in the 16 th century and was drunk more as a medicine than as a beverage.

Title: History of Tea in Assam

Introduction:
Tea is a popular beverage consumed worldwide and has a rich history. After reading the lesson "Glimpses of India (Part III) Tea from Assam," we gather the following information about the history of tea in Assam:

1. Origin of Tea in Assam:
- Tea cultivation in Assam can be traced back to the early 19th century.
- The indigenous tea plant, Camellia sinensis var. assamica, is native to Assam.
- The discovery of tea in Assam is credited to Robert Bruce, who found wild tea plants growing near Rangpur in 1823.

2. Introduction of Tea Plantations:
- In the 1830s, the British East India Company recognized the potential of tea cultivation in Assam.
- The first tea gardens were established in Assam by the British, and large-scale commercial tea production began.
- The tea industry in Assam grew rapidly, attracting British and Indian entrepreneurs.

3. Role of the British:
- The British played a crucial role in promoting tea cultivation and establishing tea plantations in Assam.
- They brought in expert tea planters and workers from China to impart their knowledge and skills.
- The British colonial administration provided support and infrastructure for the tea industry's development.

4. Labor and Plantation Life:
- The establishment of tea plantations in Assam led to the influx of labor from various parts of India.
- Workers, including indigenous Assamese people, were recruited to work on the tea estates.
- The plantation life was challenging, with workers living in basic accommodations and facing harsh working conditions.

5. Growth and Expansion:
- The tea industry in Assam experienced significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The demand for Assam tea increased both domestically and internationally.
- The industry expanded with the establishment of more tea gardens and the introduction of modern machinery and techniques.

6. Economic Impact:
- Tea became a major cash crop for Assam, contributing significantly to its economy.
- The tea industry created employment opportunities for thousands of people in Assam.
- Assam's tea continues to be a vital part of India's economy and a major export commodity.

Conclusion:
The history of tea in Assam dates back to the 19th century, with the British playing a pivotal role in its cultivation and establishment of tea plantations. The industry experienced rapid growth, contributing to the economic development of Assam and becoming an integral part of the region's culture and identity.