Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages, second only to water, and holds a special place in India both as an agricultural product and as a cultural symbol. India is among the largest producers and consumers of tea globally, with the states of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala accounting for the majority of its cultivation. The Indian tea industry has a history of nearly two centuries, and today Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas are internationally recognized for their unique flavor profiles and geographical indications. Beyond production and trade, tea has become a vital part of India’s everyday life, embedded in rituals of hospitality, social interaction, and identity.

The historical trajectory of tea in India is rooted in both indigenous traditions and colonial expansion. The tea plant (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) was discovered growing wild in Assam in the early nineteenth century, and while certain communities had used tea leaves medicinally, large-scale commercial cultivation was initiated under the British East India Company in the 1830s. The establishment of plantations in Assam, followed by Darjeeling and later the Nilgiris, not only transformed the agrarian economy but also shaped labor systems, migration patterns, and local environments. Over time, tea became deeply integrated into Indian society, evolving from a colonial commodity into a national beverage.

Culturally, tea has taken on meanings far beyond its material value. In Indian households, a cup of chai is considered a gesture of warmth and welcome, making it an essential part of hospitality. On the streets, the ubiquitous chaiwala (tea vendor) serves tea in small glasses or clay cups (kulhads), creating informal community spaces that cut across boundaries of class, caste, and profession. Regional traditions further enrich the diversity of Indian tea culture: Assam is known for its robust, malty black tea, Darjeeling for its delicate and floral infusions, Nilgiris for their brisk aromatic teas, and Kashmir for the spiced green tea known as kahwa. Even within daily routines, the Indian masala chai, infused with spices such as ginger, cardamom, and cloves, demonstrates how tea blends seamlessly with Ayurveda-inspired practices of health and wellness.

Economically, tea plays a vital role in India’s agricultural sector and global trade. The country produces over a billion kilograms annually, a significant proportion of which is consumed domestically. The Tea Board of India oversees regulation, quality assurance, and promotion, while institutions such as the Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Assam advance scientific studies on genetics, pest management, and climate resilience. From a biomedical perspective, tea contains bioactive compounds such as catechins, theaflavins, and polyphenols, which have been linked to antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional spiced teas also carry functional health benefits, reinforcing the blend of modern science and indigenous knowledge in shaping tea consumption.

Heritage recognition has added further value to Indian teas in the global arena. Darjeeling tea became the first Indian product to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2004, with Assam and Nilgiri teas following suit. These recognitions not only safeguard authenticity but also reinforce India’s cultural diplomacy, as tea becomes a marker of heritage and national pride. In addition, the growth of tea tourism-where visitors can experience plantations, heritage bungalows, and cultural traditions-reflects how tea serves as a bridge between history, sustainability, and contemporary lifestyle trends.

Today, tea continues to balance tradition with innovation. Urban cafés and startups are experimenting with cold brews, artisanal blends, and herbal infusions, while rural and semi-urban India still holds fast to the daily ritual of hot, spiced chai. This adaptability highlights the resilience of tea as both a heritage commodity and a cultural practice. More than an agricultural product, tea in India represents continuity, identity, and inclusivity, uniting diverse populations and carrying forward a living tradition that resonates across generations.

References

1. Baruah, S. (2011). A History of Tea in India: Colonialism and Beyond. Assam University Press.
2. Tea Board of India. (2023). Annual Tea Statistics. Government of India.
3. Tocklai Tea Research Institute. (2022). Research and Innovation in Indian Tea.
4. Sharma, R., & Mahanta, P. (2019). Tea and Society in India: A Socio-Cultural Perspective. Journal of Cultural Studies, 14(2), 45–62.