CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Tea is far more than just a beverage—it is a cultural emblem, a daily ritual, and an
agricultural marvel that has woven its way into the fabric of societies around the
world. At its simplest, tea is a drink made by soaking the leaves of the Camellia
sinensis plant in hot water. This easy process creates a beverage that can taste, smell,
and feel different depending on where the tea was grown, how it was processed, and
how it's prepared. People enjoy drinking it as an activity that starts the day, unwinds
the afternoon or becomes a part of special ceremonies. However, whatever be its use,
tea remains the favourite drink in the world.
The story of tea is as rich as the drink itself, filled with many changes over the years.
According to old Chinese stories, Emperor Shennong discovered tea around 2737
BCE when some tea leaves accidentally fell into his boiling water. This event showed
that tea could be used both as a healing drink and as a refreshing beverage. First, tea
was mainly valued for its health benefits; however, time passed and people started
drinking it regularly for the flavour and smell. Tea was made even more special
during the Tang (618–907 CE) and Song (960–1279 CE) dynasties. This made it not
only a medicine, but also incorporated into vital ritualistic activities as an art and
became an inevitable part of societal events and mental gatherings.
Ancient trade routes, such as the famous Silk Road, facilitated the spread of tea to
distant lands. Tea found its place in Japan when it became a mainstay of the
Japanese tea ceremony, an ancient tradition centred on harmony, respect, purity,
and tranquillity. Tea swept Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries and became
the symbol of fashion and elegance. Tea's journey around the world is a testament
to how it can fit into many different cultures, making it one of the most popular
drinks in the world.
Tea story begins in East Asia, where the Camellia sinensis plant grows in the wild.
This plant gives rise to all the varieties of tea, as the flavour and character of tea
depend on the method and region of cultivation. Chinese tea farmers developed
multiple ways to treat the leaves early on, from steaming and drying to green, black,
oolong, and white teas. This was not just an innovation of new ideas; it also portrayed
the unique flavours and traditions of each region. In time, tea-making would be a
mixture of farming, new technology, and special traditions.
Although tea began in China, growing and enjoying tea in India has become an
important part of its global story. Tea came to India much later than it did to China,
but it still had a big effect on farming and culture there. The British, wanting to end
China's control over tea, began large-scale tea growing in India in the 1800s. Places
such as Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri became associated with tea production, each
region producing a specific taste and mode of tea making. Tea transformed not only
Indian business but also altered local agriculture and brought along social and
economic change.
Tea is ubiquitous in India. It is a beverage that unites all people, irrespective of caste,
creed, or place of residence. Be it the busy street stall in the cities or the overcrowded
tea markets in villages or at the quiet comfort of homes, people love it all. Be it
strong, spiced chai in the morning, or sweet, milky tea in the afternoon. With
warmness, hospitality, and togetherness- tea in India symbolises all this and more.
Moreover, it is very versatile-being enjoyed hot on a winter day for comfort or cool
on a summer day for refreshment. It is there all through the seasons, being a daily
source of joy for millions.
Tea is an important part of the daily life of millions of Indians. It means more than a
drink-it brings people together and plays a big role in Indian culture. Many families
start their day with a hot cup of tea, warming them up so they may wake up, sit
quietly, and enjoy a moment before the beginning of the day. Tea breaks at work
provide a chance for people to relax, chat, and even solve problems together. Tea is
always there at family gatherings or friendly meetups, thus creating a warm and
welcoming atmosphere. In such a diverse country as India, tea brings people from
different backgrounds together, hence making it a shared tradition enjoyed by all.
Tea plants in India are raised using a mixture of old knowledge related to farming and
the new techniques. There are great tea plantations, particularly in places like Assam
and Darjeeling, where humongous areas of land are maintained with care. The process
starts by selecting the right type of tea plant that thrives well in local soil and weather.
Tea farms are usually located in areas with rich soil and plenty of rain, which help the
plants grow strong. Once planted, tea bushes need regular trimming and care to
produce the best quality leaves and a good harvest.
Tea picking is very labour-intensive, and it is typically done by hand to avoid bruising
or damaging the leaves. Experienced labourers select only the soft, young leaves and
buds, thus using only the best. The leaves are then processed through several stages to
become various types of tea. For instance, making black tea necessitates the hanging
of the tea leaves to undergo oxidation and give it a strong flavou..4r and the dark
color; on the contrary, green tea leaves are left to be oven heated quickly since they
prevent such oxidation, that gives them freshness and natural flavour.
Modern technology has been integrated into traditional practices to enhance
productivity and quality control. Mechanization in certain phases of processing,
improved irrigation techniques, and sustainable farming practices have all contributed
to a more efficient and environmentally conscious tea production industry. Despite
these technological advancements, many tea estates still rely on traditional methods,
which are cherished for their ability to produce teas with a distinct regional character
and authenticity.
This dissertation will consider the numerous dimensions of tea-from its plant origins
and rich history to its importance in culture and business, especially in India. It would
delve into the growth of the tea plant, how people have gone about drinking tea over
the years, and how tea farms are managed. The essence of this study is to point out
how tea has become part of daily life and international trade. From accidental
discovery in ancient China to a symbol of hospitality and tradition in India, the story
of tea is one of cultural exchange, new ideas, and long-lasting traditions, one that
continues to grow every day.
1.1. Statement of the problem:
Tea garden workers got displaced due to the shutting down of the tea estate. They
have to face financial crisis and incur debt. Due to Tea workers displacement their
children had to be taken out of the school since they were unable to pay the fee. The
workers have to indulge in vast number of task from plucking of tea leaves, weeding,
nursery work which results in issues in health problem like back pain due to carrying
tea baskets for a long time, cuts and rashes on fingers and palms due to plucking of
tea leaves. The workers were not provided security in terms of wages and sanitation.
Workers were not provided proper equipment for work.
1.2. Literature Review
(The Editor of “The Telegraph Online 2024”)The management of Sylee Tea Estate
in Jalpaiguri suspended work, leaving over 1,000 workers jobless. On February 5,
instead of paying overdue wages, they abandoned the garden, citing worker protests
on February 2–3. Other closed gardens in the district include Raipur, Bamandanga
Tundu, Samsing, Red Bank, Dharanipur, and Surendranagar. A trade union
leader accused the management of cheating workers, while the Indian Tea Planters
Association claimed protests forced the closure. The labour department is planning
a tripartite meeting with management and worker unions to resolve the crisis.
(Bikash Mahali 2023) “the condition of tea workers has deteriorated since the
current Central or state government came to power. Both the governments are not
doing anything on the issue of social security of the workers, as compared to the
erstwhile Left Front government. Today's plantation owners pay nothing but wages.
They do not deposit provident fund money. Many workers have not received their
gratuity even after years of retirement. Since the next three months are dry, the
owners are closing the garden unfairly so that they don’t have to pay salaries. Closed
plantation workers are leaving the state for other states in search of work. We are
fighting against it.”
(Bidyut Gun 2023)“the union had discussed the opening of the garden with the labour
department. The Joint Labour Commissioner said the tripartite meeting will be called
before Diwali. However, the possibility of having a representative of the owner in that
meeting is low, the Joint Labour Commissioner informed us.”
He said, “If the representative of the owner does not come to the tripartite meeting, no
solution will be found. However, on behalf of the workers, we will attend the Labour
Department meeting,”
(Puja Kharia 2023)"The days of starvation and half-starvation are coming
again.Workers in the closed gardens rely on vegetables and flowers picked from the
surrounding bushes. That is how they fill their stomachs. The little rice and flour in
the ration do not last for a whole month”.
(The Editor of News Click 2023) “Workers are frustrated as both the Trinamool
government in West Bengal and the BJP-led central government continue blaming
each other instead of reopening closed tea gardens. Union Minister John Barla
blames the state, while TMC leaders claim they informed Labour Minister Malay
Ghatak.
The Kalchini Tea Plantation authorities abandoned 2,003 workers without paying a
month’s wages. In Alipurduar, two gardens in Madarihat and Kalchini were
locked for two days, leaving workers in distress. In Mujnai Tea Estate, 1,000
workers lost their jobs after demanding a 20% Durga Puja bonus, while the
Raimatang Tea Plantation closure affected 1,200 workers. Authorities shut these
gardens without notice, sparking panic among workers. Meanwhile, the district
administration is providing rice and relief to affected families.”
1.3. Objective
i) To assess the socio-economic of tea garden closure on local
communities.
ii) To understand the dynamic of alternative source of livelihood of
the socio-cultural and economic structure in Toorsa Tea Estate.
1.4. Research questions
i) How do the closure of the tea gardens affect the livelihood of workers.
ii) What are the immediate and long term socio economic affect of shutting
down the tea garden on the local community workers and their family.
1.5. Methodology
The research shall be quantitative and qualitative in nature Ten household cases shall
be taken. The research method used shall include semi-structured, interviewed
schedule, group discussions and surveys.
