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Sifting Tea in Assam, India
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Sifting Tea in Assam, India
British Empire multiplied the tea gardens in north-east corner of India due to demand in Britain. Photograph showing one of the many processes of sifting the tea prior to packing. Date: late 1890s
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Assam Cultivated Manufacture Manufacturing Northeast Northeastern Plantation Plantations Process Producing Teas
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This evocative photograph captures the intricate process of sifting tea leaves in Assam, India during the late 1890s. The British Empire had significantly expanded its presence in the northeastern corner of India due to the insatiable demand for tea in Britain. The lush, verdant landscape of Assam became the ideal location for cultivating this prized beverage, leading to the establishment of numerous tea gardens. In this image, a skilled worker meticulously sifts through piles of freshly plucked tea leaves, separating them by size to ensure uniformity in the final product. The delicate process of manufacturing tea was a labor-intensive endeavor, requiring the expertise of both the laborers and the supervisors. The tea leaves were carefully picked, withered, rolled, and fermented before being spread out to dry. Once dried, they were sorted and sifted multiple times to ensure the finest tea was produced. The tea industry in Assam flourished under British rule, with the production process becoming increasingly industrialized. The use of innovative machinery and the implementation of efficient production methods significantly increased the yield and quality of the tea produced. The tea gardens became symbols of British colonial power and prosperity, with the region contributing significantly to the global tea trade. Despite the economic benefits, the tea industry in Assam was not without its challenges. The laborers, mostly from local communities, faced harsh working conditions and low wages. The exploitative nature of the industry led to widespread social and political unrest, with several uprisings and protests against the British rule. This photograph provides a glimpse into the rich history of tea production in Assam during the late 1800s, a time when the demand for tea in Britain led to the expansion of the industry in India and the establishment of a complex and intricate production process.
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