Although written history aims to bring to the present significant events that shaped the past and continue to influence our reality, philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre aptly noted that the past can indeed be altered, as demonstrated by historians. Such a statement may seem bold, but it holds. Much of history relies on traditions initially passed down orally to future generations. Often, those documenting these traditions only experienced them superficially, never fully grasping their essence. Thus, regarding tea, claiming "I know everything" is synonymous with having limited knowledge. The saying that we have two ears and one mouth reminds us of the importance of listening more and speaking less.
This complexity is evident when seeking accurate information about the origins of tea in Assam. Much of this knowledge is absent from history books and can often only be discovered through visits to the region and, in some cases, by speaking the local language.
GREETINGS WITH ANOTHER'S HAT
As mentioned in the previous piece, "Companies, Kingdoms & Wars," we will discuss an explorer preceding one of the wars referenced in the article titles.
The Indian Tea Association indicates that the establishment of the vast tea empire in India is credited to the British, who discovered and consumed tea in large quantities. Their fascination with this leaf led to years of research and experimentation involving figures like Warren Hastings, who sent a selection of seeds from China. However, this initial experiment, like many that followed, failed because the variety of seeds brought from China could not withstand the high temperatures of India.
Nevertheless, as we know, the crown, through the British East India Company, did not entertain the word "impossible" in its dictionary, as they found ways to maintain their dominance regardless of the means or resources required.
The Indian Tea Association adds that after decades of unsuccessful experimentation, a crown emissary named Robert Bruce discovered wild tea plants growing in the highlands of the Brahmaputra Valley. To his surprise and good fortune, this was indeed tea. In 1838, Assam tea was introduced to the public in England. At this point, one might think the story ends. Still, while Robert Bruce and his predecessors tried to establish tea plantations with various seeds imported from China, they eventually realized that there was a native variety from Assam, which, according to Tea Orb (2022), they referred to in their analyses as "as real as Chinese tea."
Deepak (2017) argues that claiming Robert Bruce "discovered" tea in Assam is anachronistic and somewhat misleading because, while he reported the existence of the variety found in Assam to the crown, this would not have been possible without the help of Maniram Dewan, a member of the Singpho tribe, who cultivated the tea bushes in Assam's highlands. Maniram facilitated the meeting between Robert Bruce and the tribal chief, which led to Bruce's "discovery" of tea in India. Unfortunately, shortly after this discovery, he died, and his brother, Charles Alexander Bruce, continued the endeavor.
Deepak (2017) highlights that today, we are implicitly immersed in colonial ideas as if nothing exists in the world unless the West "discovers" it. Despite Maniram Dewan not receiving due credit for bringing Assam tea to the world, he is remembered as a freedom fighter in India, while the Bruce brothers simply greet the world with another's hat.
THE BEGINNING OF MANIRAM AND ROBERT
The time when these two figures met coincided with the reign of the Ahom Dynasty. Deepak (2017) reveals that Maniram's family worked for the Ahom kings while the Scottish Robert Bruce served as a mercenary. It is suggested that this is where Robert and Maniram first encountered each other, leading to Maniram introducing Robert to the chief of the Singpho tribe in 1823. After Robert's death, his brother Charles took his place, and at the age of 22, he was appointed as Tehsildar—an official—of Rangpur.
Deepak (2017) suggests that Charles’s position as Tehsildar of Rangpur allowed him to meet frequently with Maniram. Both held positions in Dewan's Assam Tea Company, with Charles being Maniram’s superior. This led to them collaborating on various occasions. In 1845, after Maniram resigned from Dewan's Assam Tea Company, Charles was removed from his position.
Deepak (2017) analyzes their bond despite the absence of mention in history books. Through a literature review, he found that Charles Bruce's recommendations to the British East India Company in 1839 and Maniram's petition to the Sadar court in Calcutta in 1852 shared many similarities, including technical language and themes.
Deepak (2017) posits that Charles Bruce may have inspired Maniram to start his tea cultivation outside the regime of the British Tea Company of that era, which tragically led to his execution by hanging but set a precedent that encouraged many others to pursue their independent tea plantations.
While India is globally known for exporting vast quantities of tea, including unique varieties like Darjeeling, its reputation pales compared to the human and environmental damage caused by the British East India Company and other agents, whose impacts remain unacknowledged in history. This suffering continues today, affecting tea production and the lives of many who work on the plantations. As Deepak notes, it is essential to move away from viewing the world, and especially tea, through a colonial lens and begin to acknowledge the harsh truths, no matter how difficult they may be.
Until next time!
Satoricha ~
References
Deepak, S. (2017, February 16). Assam Tea, Bruce Brothers & Maniram Dewan. Arre Kya Baat Hai. Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://kyabaat.blogspot.com/2017/02/assam-tea-bruce-brothers-maniram-dewan.html
Indian Tea Association. (n.d.). History of Indian Tea. Indian Tea Association. Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://www.indiatea.org/history_of_indian_tea
Tea Orb. (2022, August 21). How was tea discovered in Assam. teaorb. Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://teaorb.com/en-us/blog/how-was-tea-discovered-in-assam
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