The discovery of tea plants in Assam is credited to Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer and trader. He came across wild tea plants growing naturally in Assam around the year 1823, making him the first European to recognize the presence of native tea in the region.
Key Details:
-
Discoverer: Robert Bruce
-
Place: Upper Assam (near Rangpur and Sadiya region)
-
Year of Discovery: 1823
-
With Help From: Maniram Dewan and local Singpho tribe chief Bessa Gam
-
Plant Type: Indigenous tea variety (Camellia sinensis var. assamica)
Background of the Discovery:
Robert Bruce learned from local communities, especially the Singpho tribe, that they had been using wild tea leaves for medicinal and traditional purposes. His brother, Charles Alexander Bruce, later conducted extensive research and led the early stages of commercial tea cultivation in Assam under British supervision.
This discovery laid the foundation of the Assam tea industry, which is now one of the largest tea producers in the world.
Legacy of the Discovery:
-
Turned Assam into a global tea powerhouse
-
Sparked large-scale British colonial interest in tea plantation in India
-
Assam tea is now one of the most premium and recognized teas globally
-
Local people like Maniram Dewan later became pioneers in Indian-owned tea gardens
Conclusion:
Robert Bruce is credited with the discovery of tea plants in Assam in 1823, recognizing the native Camellia sinensis species used by local tribes. This moment was the starting point of Assam’s global tea journey, transforming it into a world-famous tea-growing region.
PREVIOUS :
Which Assamese Singer First Won The Zee Tv Singing Reality Show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa?
NEXT :