Assam Tea : Discovery, Contribution of theSingphos, Method of Preparation and Traditional Habit of Tea Drinking Among the Singphos of Assam

摘要

Tea drinking originated in China about 5,000 years ago and gradually the world took to drinking tea. India is a major producer of tea in the world and the state of Assam is the largest tea growing belt in the world. Tea was discovered growing wild inAssam by the British in early 18th century. The local population of Assam, some of the tribal people, were in the habit of drinking tea in their indigenous method of preparation. It was Beesa Gam, a Singpho tribe head, who first exhibited tea plants growing wild in his vicinity to Major Robert Bruce in 1823 which led to discovery tea plants in Assam and ultimate recognition after lot of deliberations in 1835. The tea industry of Assam what it is today took shape in the state after that significant historic event. The practice of tea drinking in the traditional way is still continuing among the Singphos.