by Ashis Sinha
Shabnam Bormon’s “The Tea Industry of Assam: A 200 Year Old Legacy of Continuing Glory” offers a comprehensive and captivating examination of the history, culture, and significance of tea in Assam, India. This book provides an in-depth and nuanced narrative of the Assam tea industry’s evolution over the past two centuries, from its colonial origins to its present-day challenges and future possibilities.
A notable strength of Bormon’s work is its interdisciplinary approach. By integrating perspectives from history, sociology, economics, and environmental studies, Bormon delivers a holistic understanding of the Assam tea industry. Her extensive research and fieldwork are evident in the rich details and vivid examples throughout the book, from Robert Bruce’s discovery of indigenous tea plants in the 1820s to contemporary initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and ethical tea production.
The book is well-organized into eight chapters, each addressing different facets of the Assam tea industry, including its colonial history, distinctive taste and production methods, social and cultural importance, and global impact. Bormon’s engaging and accessible writing style makes the book enjoyable for both academic and general readers.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its focus on the human dimension of the Assam tea industry. Bormon offers a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the lives and experiences of tea garden workers, who have been the backbone of the industry for generations. She highlights the challenges these workers have faced, from colonial exploitation to current issues of low wages and poor living conditions, while also celebrating their resilience, creativity, and cultural richness.
Bormon also provides a balanced and critical analysis of the environmental and social impacts of the Assam tea industry. She does not shy away from discussing the negative consequences of tea cultivation, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and the displacement of indigenous communities. Simultaneously, she highlights efforts by some tea companies and organizations to adopt sustainable and ethical practices.
The book’s attention to the global dimensions of the Assam tea industry is another of its strengths. Bormon traces Assam tea’s journey from a colonial commodity to a global cultural icon, examining how the tea trade has shaped global politics, economics, and culture. She also provides insights into changing consumer preferences and market trends that are influencing the industry’s future.
“The Tea Industry of Assam: A 200 Year Old Legacy of Continuing Glory” is well-referenced, including a comprehensive bibliography and appendix, offering valuable resources for further research and exploration. The author’s note and acknowledgments add a personal and reflective touch, underscoring Bormon’s passion and commitment to the subject.
Overall, Bormon’s book is a significant and timely contribution to the study of the Assam tea industry and its broader social, cultural, and environmental implications. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and future of tea, as well as for scholars and practitioners focused on sustainable development, social justice, and cultural heritage in India and beyond.
“The Tea Industry of Assam: A 200 Year Old Legacy of Continuing Glory” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and continuing glory of the Assam tea industry, as well as to the resilience and creativity of the people who have shaped it over the past two centuries. It celebrates Assam’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty while calling for a more sustainable and equitable future for the industry and its stakeholders.
