Chapter-3

History and growth of Tea Gardens

3.0 Introduction: Tea Industry is the oldest agro-based and well-organized industries
take a significant role in the India economy (Kerketta, 2015). Where more than one
million people get the opportunity to be employed directly and two million people
employed in the tea industry indirectly where around 50 per cent employee are women.
Where workers and their families live within Tea gardens, they are employed and get
the benefit of food, health care and education (Selvakumar & Jeyaselvam, 2012; Datta,
2017; Kamath & Ramanathan, 2017). Due to employment opportunity, it has a plentiful
potential in the domestic and international market. So the government should be given
duly attention to flourish off the tea gardens peoples (Shah, 2013). Since India is the
second-largest producer of tea. There are 16 tea producing states in India among them
Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala occupying 96 per cent of the total tea
production and 78 per cent area of tea plantation located in North East India. The tea of
Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiris possess their distinctive quality due to certain specific
soil and climatic conditions (Arya, 2013). As per Tea Board of India, India produced
tea 1233.14 million kilograms in 2015-16 where Assam and North Bengal contribute
near about 52 per cent and 26 per cent of total tea production (Mitra, 2003). On the
other hand, India contributes 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the total tea export and more
than 10 per cent of India‟s earning exchange. So, in respect of exports, income and
employment, the tea industry has a significant contribution to the Indian economy
(Mishra et al., 2012). The history of tea plantation is long back in India. The first tea
plantations were developed in Assam in 1821. Initially, Due to some severe climatic
conditions, it was not ahead with success. Yet tea plantation in Assam went ahead by
British colonial government at early nineteen century. So experimentally first tea
plantation developed in 1835 by the colonial government at Lakhimpur of Assam state.
Gradually plantation spread out in favourable climatic areas of North East India. In the
beginning, slowly it was developed but found a rapid growth when tea plantations were
governed by private enterprises in 1859 (Bhadra, 1997). In West Bengal (especially
North Bengal) the tea plantation developed in Darjeeling hills, Terai, Dooars. In the
hilly tract of Darjeeling, the first Alubari tea garden was opened in 1856 by Darjeeling
Tea Company. In the Terai region of Darjeeling district, the first tea gardens named
Chamta was developed in 1862 near Khaprail. Whereas the tea gardens developed in
western Dooars at Gazoldoba in 1874. It also reported that within 1866, 39 tea
plantations were developed shares about 10000 acres of land (Bhadra, 1992) .

43
The present chapter deals with the history and growth of tea plantation. Precisely this
chapter focused to the origin and gradual development of tea plantation in India, the
favourable condition for the tea plantation, the tea industry history in West Bengal and
its gradual development in Darjeeling hill, Dooars and Terai, the process of recruitment
of labours and immigration of labours in tea plantation. The causes behind labour
migration and migrated labour compositions in tea plantation.

3.1 The Journey of Tea Plantation history in India: Tea Industry is an oldest
organised industry in India which ensures the largest employment opportunity India is
the largest producer of tea (approximately 790 million Kg per year) which contributes
around 30 per cent of tea production in the world (Tea Board, 2004). India also the
largest consumer of tea in the World, among the four largest tea producing country (i.e.
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Keniya) India exports the least amount of tea in the
world. So, in this context, it is essential to know about the history of the tea industry in
India. So, Assam is very important which shows the first potentiality of tea growing in
1824 by Robert Bruce and expanded rapidly in colonial periods. Among four tea
producing states (Assam, West Bengal, Tamilnadu and Kerala) Assam shares 52 per
cent production of tea and 56 per cent employment (Mishra et al., 2012). It was
reported that experimentally the tea plants were cultivated in Assam in 1834 under the
supervision of Governor Lord William Bentinck and framed up a Tea Committee on 1st
February 1834. Before the formation of tea committee, a report was prepared by
Captain F. Jenkins, on economic potentialities of Assam in 1832 and sent some seeds
and leaves of tea plants of Assam (Camellia Assamica) and also reported the
possibilities of its commercial success. As a pioneer, latter F. Jenkins and Charlton
were highly praised by Tea committee (Ghosh, 1987). In early of 1834, Lord William
Bentick, the Governor-general of India expressed much doubt about indigenous tea
plant in Assam which was discovered by Robert Bruce (1823) and Scot (1824). Tea
Committee was formed to search for suitable land for growing tea brush. The secretary
of tea culture committee (Mr Gordon) brought tea seeds and saplings and planted in
some tea plantation (i.e. Jaipur and Chabuwa of Lakhimpur and Dibrugarh district of
Assam). Latter C.A Bruce became superintendents of tea culture in Assam and tea was
produced and delivered to England (1838) even sold in Calcutta (1841).

Tea plantation was abruptly developed after 1853 because British investors and
entrepreneurs and personnel (retired governments‟ officials, army officials and bankers)

44
were inclined to establish tea plantation Although initially they faced financial
constraints yet some tea industry gradually flourished and controlled by managing
agencies and a general policy was laid down for flourishing the job opportunities
(Phukan, 1984; Singh et al., 2006). The tea was produced with a satisfactory quality in
Kumaons in 1841 and shows the first trial of tea in Darjeeling with quite a success in
1841 (Ghosh, 1987).
Table 3.1: Some important events in Tea history

Year Events Characterisation

2737 B.C Tea discovered by Chinese Emperor named Shen Nung
350 AD The word „Tea‟ first found in Chinese dictionary by Erha Ya
1657 Tea first sold as Health beverage in London at Garway‟s Coffee House
1669 East India Company monopolizes British tea import
1717 First Tea shop set up in London by Thomas Twining
1773 The Boston Tea Party introduced a protest against the British Tea Taxes
1776 England sent the first Opium shipment to China where the Opium addiction in China
funded the escalating demand for tea in England
1833 The East India Company loses its monopoly in trade with China (Act of British Prime
Minister Charles Grey)
1835 The East India Company established experimental tea Plantation in Assam, India
1838 A small amount of Indian tea sent to England was consumed due to its Novelty
1856 Tea was planted in many areas of Darjeeling
1857 Tea plantation were started in Ceylon
1869 A deadly fungus wiped out the coffee crop in Ceylon and shift the preferences from
coffee to Tea
1870 Twining of England began to blend tea for consistency
1876 Glasgow grocer, Thomas Lipton opens his first tea shop
1853 World‟s first instant tea is introduced
Source: Manas Das Gupta, Labour in Tea Gardens, 1999

3.2 Development of Tea Industry in India: The tea industry in India includes small
and big growers and government plantations (Arya, 2013). The tea industry was
developed as an organised industry in the 1860s. The Assam Tea Company first started
tea production as a commercial basis in 1840. As a result, the tea plantation was
abruptly extended in rest parts of the country due to land-use change where a large area
converted into a tea plantation. But statistics of development of tea plantation and Tea
Industry not came in the light before 1911 because of the absence of industrial census.

45
In 1921 the first industrial census was conducted and the total number of tea industries
was count 2034. The state Assam and West Bengal took a leading role for tea industry
which comprises 55 per cent (427000 acres) and 25 per cent (193000 acres) land to
total coverage (773000 acres) of tea plantation in the sub-continents. Initially in 1853
tea plantation was developed in organised scale in Wynaad, Nilgiris and hilly tract of
south India while the tea plantation of the hilly region of West Bengal was developed
and successfully started in 1856. But in the hilly tract of Darjeeling foothills, tea
plantation was developed in 1862 (Das & Banarjee, 1964). Regarding the development
of tea industry in India, the state Assam was a pioneer because its favourable climatic
condition and tireless effort of British officials were much important for the
development of tea industry in Assam initially (Mitra, 2010; Roy, 2011). The
contribution of Dr Wallich was very important for assessing the favourable regions for
tea growing. The government selected some tracts for tea plantation and suggested
three distinctive regions for tea growing i.e. Himalayan region, Eastern frontiers and
Nilgiri and western part of South India. Although the initiative for plantation in south
India become a failure. But the signature of success reported in Sub Himalayan region
especially the Assam tea plantation. Normally state Assam tea hopefully captured a tea
market in Europe entirely. Where January 10, 1839, eight tea boxes were first auctioned
in London. There are two company came into light i.e. Bengal Tea Company in
Calcutta and Assam Tea Company in London later they became a single company and
reported 5 company who controlled 167 tea gardens (Appendix- II).

3.3 History of Tea Industry in West Bengal: The history of the tea industry in West
Bengal is 200 years old. First tea industry was developed in Darjeeling by English tea
planters in 1840. In 1835, Mr Gordon, a Botanist experimentally planted the tea bushes
in the hilly tract of Darjeeling whose seeds and seedling brought from China. Latter in
1841, Dr Camphell also planted Chinese tea seed at Alubari and Jalpahar but outcomes
were not satisfied because of extreme climatic condition in higher altitude (7000 feet).
Mr. Cronemelin reported the development of tea gardens in lower elevation also. In
1856, Alubari Tea Garden was opened as a commercial scale by Kerseong and
Darjeeling Tea Company. At the end of 1874, 113 tea gardens were developed
comprises areas of 18888 acres (Mitra, 2010; Datta, 2017). Due to climatic condition,
the tea industry was developed in the Northern part of West Bengal i.e. Darjeeling hill,
Terai and Dooars (Gurung & Roy Mukherjee, 2018). Tea industry of West Bengal

46
comprises 24.80 per cent of the total area and 26.70 per cent of total tea production of
India (Tea Board 2015). The Darjeeling tea is top and best due to its unique flavour.

3.4 Growth of Tea industry in West Bengal: District Darjeeling of West Bengal is
famous for 3 Ts i.e. Tea, Timber and Tourism and contributes to economic
development. It is noteworthy that due to the favourable agro-ecological condition, the
tea plantations are developed significantly in North Bengal. Where Dr Ali (2008) has
pointed out the agro-ecological condition for tea plants.
Table 3.2: Essential conditions for the growth of Tea Plantation
Specific climatic condition Requirements
Soil pH 4.5 to 5.5
Ambient Temperature 20-30 degree (Maximum 35 degree
Leaf Temperature Minimum 21 degree (Maximum 39 degree)
Soil Temperature Not less than 20 degrees for optimum 25 degree
Length of Day Not less than 11 hours 15 minutes
Rainfall 1000-1400 mm annually
Relative Humidity 80-90%, below 50% generally shoot growth is
inhibited below 40% growth is adversely affected.
Sources: Dr Ali, 2008

The history of the tea industry in West Bengal is long in 1835 when tea seed and
seedling were imported to plant in Darjeeling. Commercially, Alubari tea garden was
opened in 1856. At that time, the tea gardens named Makaibari, Pandam, Ging,
Ambote, Takdawn and Phubsering also developed on the hilly tract of Darjeeling and
the plantation also developed in foothill zones of Darjeeling hill named Chamta Tea
Garden first developed in Terai near Khaprail by Mr James White in 1862 and
gradually developed Tea Gardens in Terai region with great success (Mitra, 2010 &
Datta, 2017). While Mr Richard Haughton opened first tea gardens at Gazoldoba of
Jalpaiguri district in 1874 in Terai 1862. According to D.H.E. Sunder‟s Settlement
Report, the tea industry introduced in Jalpaiguri district in 1874 were 22 tea gardens
lease issued in 1877 and more than 150 tea gardens were developed in 1874-1930
covered an area of 1,39,751 acres because English planters were mostly keen to
establish and a few Bangalies also shows their interest in tea plantation (Sarkar, 2013).

47
According to Tea Statistics 1990-1991, the tea gardens are gradually increased in West
Bengal where 296 tea gardens reported in 1951 and it becomes 347 in 1990. Although
a negative growth of tea gardens reported in the year 1961-1971 and 1985-1986.
Specially in Darjeeling and Dooars the negative growth reported in 1961-1971 in that
time the tea gardens in Terai were increased in 47-48 in number. But in the year 1984-
1990, the tea not increased in Darjeeling. But in Terai and Dooars reported a gradual
increases in tea gardens. Whereas in West Bengal, the areas under cultivation are
gradually increased from 1951-1990. But negative growth reported in the year 1961-
1971 in Darjeeling. The tea production rapidly increased in the year 1951-1985, where
in 1951, the production was 78158 tonnes and it rises in 157371tonnes in 1985 beacuse
in all the geographical areas such as Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars, tea production
was increased tremendously.

3.5 The history of the Tea Industry in Darjeeling: Darjeeling tea is famous due to its
misty mountain climate and loamy soil (Besky, 2014). The tea plantation is started in
1841 but production was not satisfied than another region of India. It is reported that
very view tea gardens were developed such as Aluabari tea garden, Pandam tea garden
and Steintha tea garden (Hunter reports, 1876). In 1856, huge tea gardens were
developed in Darjeeling along with new tea gardens and many were reopened (Which
was earlier closed). So, within 4 years (1870-74) the tea gardens were flourished 56 to
113. Behind these, Dr Campbell was a pioneer for planting tea bushes at Darjeeling in
1841 and at upper Tukvar areas (about 2.50 km from Darjeeling). The Steinthal tea
garden and Aloobari tea garden were developed by Mr Wernier and Mr Stolke and in
1855 the Makaibari tea garden was developed in Kurseong. Although tea plantation
was developed as a commercial scale by 1856. During 1860-1864, tea gardens such as
Ging, Ambutia, Takdah and Phuseing were developed commercially by Darjeeling Tea
Company. While Tukvar and Badamtam tea gardens were established by Lebong Tea
Company. Gradually tea gardens developed in the North-Western, Northern and South-
Central part of the district. On another way, tea gardens developed in Terai of
Darjeeling named New Chamta tea garden and Matigara tea garden in 1862. 148 tea
gardens existed in 1910 whereas 71tea gardens covered an area of 25800 acres reported
in Darjeeling Thana, (including Kalimpong hills to the east of Teesta) in 1900-1943,
huge cultivate land transformed into plantation where area under tea was maximum in

48
1943; previously it was 63227 acres on that year total area of lease was 165680 acres
(Dasgupta, 1999).

The tea gardens were developed rapidly in Darjeeling district because of no regulation
in land and land laws were not applicable, only a wasteland rule, 1859 was enforced in
the Darjeeling. Two tenure systems of land existed in the tea gardens: (i) Grant under
Old Rules and (ii) Fee simple under New Rules. Previously land tenure rules, there was
a provision of „discretion‟ in land use was changed and the lands of Nepali farmers was
purchased by the Europeans and under a new rule, the grant of wasteland was enforced
on 7th May 1859 and auctioned an „upset prices‟ of Rs. 10 per acres.

3.6 Migration and Labour forces in Darjeeling Hills: Since West Bengal is the
second largest tea producing state in India so tea industries mostly developed in the
northern part of West Bengal especially in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri. In Darjeeling, tea
growing areas developed in hilly tracts and foothills of Darjeeling. The China brushes
are planted in a hilly region and Assam tea bushes are planted in the foothills region.
Due to agro-based and labour intensive industry, tea industries required huge workforce
in factory and plantation fields such as carrying tea leaves in factory, packaging,
labelling and in fields- clearances of the thin and sparse jungle, ploughing, levelling
and drainage cutting, planting of tea seed and siblings, pruning, weeding, irrigation and
herbicides and insecticides sprayings. After the maturity of plants, tea leaves plucked
along with two leaves and one bud. For these works, the huge workforce also required
in the peak season (Singh et al., 2006). Being the largest organised sector, generally, tea
plantation had some essential features like Indentured labour, low wages and isolation
(Sharma, 2003). In the tea industry, the requirement of large area and large labour force
are important. Although workers who work in tea plantation, they are mostly
indentured, low wage earners and isolated (Bhowmik, 2013) because local people were
not willing to work in tea plantation because of meagre wages (Bhadra, 1992). Where
they earned satisfactory for living and did not willing to leave their independents
landholding. As a result, there was an acute labour crisis due to the tremendous growth
of tea plantation. Labourers were bought from Bihar (Chotonagpur region), Madhya
Pradesh (Raigarh) and Orissa. Although, most of them were tribal communities
(Bradra, 1992). But in the hilly tracts, the majority of immigrants were Nepali
communities and belong to diverse ethnic group and exotic Nepali-speaking labourers

49
recruited by British planters in the 1850s across India and Tibet (Besky, 2014). But tea
plantation workers of the hilly region of Darjeeling belong to Nepalese origin of
Mongoloid known as „Gorkhas‟ and majority belongs to “Rai” and “Thapa” ethnic
groups while a small portion belongs to „Chettris‟ upper caste (Datta, 2017). It was also
reported a havoc change in demography in Darjeeling hilly tracts with the rapid growth
of tea gardens. So, a tremendous change in social, economic and political among tea
gardens workers also reported. The entire hilly tracts of Darjeeling were covered in the
forest and British occupied Darjeeling hills in 1835. Where Mr L.S.S.O Mailley
reported that the whole tract comprises 138 square miles with 100 souls‟. Latter in
1869, a „rough census‟ was conducted in Darjeeling hill areas counted a population of
22000 persons that indicated a huge jump of the population in 1835 to 1869. Where
1869 to 1901, the Nepali population increased by eight times and during the 1951
census, Sri A. K. Mitra reported the population growth in Darjeeling was not only
„endogenous‟ rather it was more or less „exogenous‟ in nature” (Dasgupta, 1999).
While, in Terai region, the blended of Nepali and Adivasi people were mostly reported
and local people (Mech, Ranbanshi) were rarely worked in the tea industry with low
wages and hazardous conditions (Bhadra, 1997).

Table 3.3: Immigration to Darjeeling, 1891-1951

Year Actual Population Immigrants % of Immigrants population to Actual
Population
1891 223314 119670 53.59
1901 249117 113588 45.60
1911 249550 111269 41.90
1921 282748 101807 36.00
1931 319635 100700 31.50
1941 376361 95750 25.44
1951 445260 100311 22.53
Source: Manas Das Gupta, 1999

Table 3.4: Composition of Different Ethnic Groups in Darjeeling Hill Areas in Percentage
Ethnic group 1901 1911 1921 1931 1941
Kiratis (Rais, Subbas, Limbus) 32.50 34.70 32.41 33.87 32.47
Tamangs 18.68 17.07 17.80 20.34 21.61
Gurungs and Majars 5.84 6.05 5.67 5.85 6.67
Newars 3.86 4.34 5.11 5.40 5.28
Kamis, Damis, Sarkis 10.96 10.90 11.46 10.13 11.15
Upper Caste Brahmins 4.33 3.88 4.78 4.61 3.88
Other Nepali Groups(Sunwar, 10.93 10.23 10.89 10.67 9.58
Thapas, Yakshas, Giris)
Lepchas 6.67 6.08 5.65 6.34 5.38
Bhutias 6.23 6.75 6.23 2.79 3.28
Source: Manas Das Gupta, 1999

50
Although, 240000 permanent workers were working in the tea gardens of West Bengal
and half of them comprises women and the total population in the tea gardens was five-
time of the total permanents workers. Where they were mostly immigrants and
migrated before a few generations even the majority of them had not to link with their
native places.

3.7 Tea Industry in Dooars: The Dooars also famous for tea plantation located in the
Himalayan foothills with full of natural beauty. Dooars comprises the district Jalpaiguri
with tea growing areas of Koch Bihar and divided into two-part- Western Dooars
(formed in 1869) comprises Jalpaiguri district after the annexation of Bhutan Dooars
while Eastern Dooars comprises the portion of Assam. Mr R. Haughton was a pioneer
for the development of tea gardens in Dooars. The first tea gardens of Jalpaiguri district
was opened at Gazoldoba in 1876 by Dr J.P Brougham (Mitra, 2010). Previously, there
were many constraints to develop tea gardens. The lack of communication in entire
Dooars was a significant problem because, in earlier, the land was covered by thin
Jungles (known as „wasteland‟ locally called „Khus land‟) only „Jote land‟ was suitable
for crops cultivation. (Notified Culcutta Gazette on 4.2.1874). After enforcement
Wasteland rules, the first tea garden was opened at Gazoldoba of Jalpaiguri. Even many
wastelands were converted into a tea plantation. So, 13 tea gardens were developed
within the year of 1874-1878.

Table 3.5: Tea Gardens Establishment in 1874-1878

Year Tea Estate establishment
1874 Gazoldoba TG
1875 Phulbari TG
1876 Dalimkota TG, Bagrakota TG
1877 Kumlai TG, Damdim TG, Washerbari TG, Baintbari TG, Ellenbari
TG, Manabari TG
1878 Money Hope TG, Patabari TG, Ranicherra TG
Source: Manas Das Gupta, 1999

The tea plantation in Dooars developed from east to westwards took about 35 years to
develop from the western police station of Mal to eastern police of Kumargram. The
Indian planter was permitted to govern the tea plantation in 1914 and after 1919; for
expansion of tea plantation. As per district Gazetteer, the first tea garden was developed
at Gazoldoba of West Dooars in 1876 governed by an Indian company named Friend
Tea Company limited. The Jalpaiguri Tea Company Limited was first Indian Tea
Company established in 1879 which shared a small plot of forest coverage land

51
(Mogulkata in Banarhat) from the Government and land was developed for tea estate
(Dasgupta, 1999).

3.8 Labour Migration and Recruitments to Dooars and Terai: The recruitment
pattern of labourers in Dooars and Terai were quite different from labours of Darjeeling
hill. The tea garden labourers of Darjeeling hills belong to Nepalese origin while the
labourers of Dooars and Terai tea gardens belong to Adivasi recruited from states
Bihar, Orissa, Madhyapradesh and labourers also migrated from plateau region of
Chotanagpur and mostly belong to tribes (Oraon, Mundas, Kharia and Santhals) and in
tribes also (Mahali, Chik Baraik, Ghasi, and Turi). Yet, they possess a common identity
but distinguished from other people i.e. Bengalis and Nepalese (Bhowmik, 2011). On
the other hand, most of the tea garden workers are Adivasi (Oraon and Mundas) but a
small portion shares Nepali workers in the Terai tea gardens (Gurung & Roy
Mukherjee, 2018). The tea gardens workers of Assam, Dooars of Jalpaiguri and Terai
of Darjeelings are mostly tribes and recruited from the tribal people of eastern Nepal
and Central India-Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, and Orissa (Chhettri, 2013; Sarkar, 2013).
After the establishment of tea gardens in Terai and Dooars in the 19th century.
Labourers were brought not only from Chhotanagpur and Santhal Parganas of Bihar but
also from the western district of West Bengal (Medinipur, Purulia and Bankura) living
within tea gardens and preserved their traditional cultures and distinguished them from
others (Ghosh & Das, 2004). Although the tea garden people living with poor social
strata generation after generation because of their illiteracy and ignorance (Borah,
2013). Where most of the labourers in tea plantation of Darjeeling hills areas belong to
Nepalese origin while in Dooars and Terai, the labourers were „Adivasis‟ requited from
state Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and labourers (British called Coolies) also came
from the plateau region of Chotanagpur includes Oraons, Mundas, Santhals,
Malpaharias, Nagesias, Asurs, Kharias and other tribal groups (Bhowmik, 2011), The
workers in Darjeeling hills tea gardens comprise different ethnic groups such as Kiratis
(Rais, Subbas, Limbus), Tamang, Gurung, Mangar, Newar, Kamis, Damais, Sarkis,
Brahmins but in Terai and Dooars, tea gardens workers are mostly Adivasis such as
Oraons, Mundas and a few Nepali workers in the Terai tea gardens (Gurung & Roy
Mukherjee, 2018).
The planters recruited the labourers as the family basis where the Royal Commission
reported „Factory asks for individuals, Plantations want families‟. Professor Sarit

52
Bhowmik pointed out causes behind the migration of labourers in tea gardens of Terai
and Dooars.

1. Many aboriginal tribes lost their agricultural land due to powerless of their Supremo
so tribal people become landless, ignored, neglected and deprived because of their
illiteracy and backwardness. They were provoked for migration for work in tea gardens
of Terai and Dooars.

2. The natural calamities (famines and floods plagued) also played a vital role in labour
migration in tea gardens. It was reported that there were five famines, three devastating
flood and seven scarcities in 100 years. Where the first famine reported in 1869 and
followed by in 1873, 1879, 1892, 1894 and 1918. The famine in the year 1879 was
pathetic and increased the death rate of 40.00 per thousand. So, the labourers were
migrated to tea gardens for working.

3. The Church plays a crucial role in migrating Christian tribes in the tea gardens of
Terai and Dooars. Even priests of Church organised a Catholic Labour Bureau at
Ranchi for sending the labourers in tea gardens.

There are two requiting systems i.e. Gardens Sardar and Arkat in the tea gardens.
Although the second one was not so favourable for requiting tribals in the tea gardens
of Terai and Dooars. The garden Sardar took a significant for requiting the labourers in
tea gardens of Terai and Dooars. The Sardar (Labour head) were sent to target places
for searching the willing peoples to work in tea gardens with proposed opportunities
and advantages. They were given a commission of Rs. 2-5 per workers and workers are
also given advanced of Rs.10 as incentives (Dasgupta, 1999; Bhowmik, 2011). Another
method was Arkatis for recruiting the labours in tea gardens especially in Assam and
Bhutan where agents were sent in drought-stricken prone areas for recruiting labours
because of their hard-working and cheapest labourers. These agents were known as ar-
katis. Although they were much aggressive and earned a bad reputation from tribal
people. They were familiar as “scum of the earth” and “heartless scoundrels,” and
“man-eating tiger” for their notorious and evil behaviours. (Bhowmik, 2011).

53
3.9 Conclusion: Initially tea plantation developed in Assam specially Brahmaputra
valley because of the availability of large land with favourable climatic conditions. The
British government also flourished the plantation in Northeast India and also found
some difficulties such as severe climatic condition (high temperature, extreme humid
climate), lack of safe drinking water, lack of communication, the spread of diseases
such as Malaria, Cholera, Kalazar, Smallpox, Dysentery and Typhoid. The tea
plantation developed and flourish a lot in the 19th century in India and shares one of the
largest tea producer as well as consumer country of the world. But presently the prices,
qualities are a matter of concern and play a vital role in exporting tea. Although tea
plantation faced a crisis or difficulties regarding cost of production, aged tea brushes,
lack of infrastructure, high price, labour problem, high labour cost, low productivity,
low profit and low export etc. Even India deviated from its position in international
markets because of high cost and poor quality. Although tremendous growth of tea
plantation reported but livelihood condition of tea gardens workers did not improve
from long to present day. So, many households suffering from the victim of poverty
and food insecurity and found report starvation and malnutrition in tea gardens people
of the study areas.

54
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