British Colonization and Development of Black Tea Industry in India: A Case Study of Darjeeling

Abstract

In the early 19th century, the black tea demand was much higher in British, thus, the British government paid serious attention to its cultivation and industrial development in their Indian colonies. Darjeeling was one of the famous places among the Indian colonies, where the tea plantation, cultivation, and industry were initiated with the establishment of British colonization. The black tea produced in Darjeeling had splendid flavored and built its demand in the world tea market. Thus, Darjeeling black tea spread widely and had an influential effect on the market economy of India. Herein, we highlight the impact of British colonization on the development of black tea industry and processing technology in Darjeeling. The crucial factors that flourish the black tea industry in Darjeeling are explored in detail. The tea plantation in Darjeeling was established due to a favorable agro-climatic situation and specific soil characteristics. The factors initiated by the British colonial government including tea processing skills and technologies, infrastructure development, and land and labour availability have enabled the tea industry to extend its market worldwide. This study enlightens the development of the black tea industry in Darjeeling during the British era and offers new insights for the historian.