What is the Indian Legend Regarding the Discovery of Tea? - Decoding the Indian Legend

The British East India Company played a major part in the introduction of tea cultivation to India in the late 19th century. They attempted to end the Chinese dominance over tea production and cultivating tea across different areas of the world as well as India. This was the beginning of the tea's history in India.

Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer, is believed to have discovered tea plants indigenous to the region located in Assam, India, around 1823. According to the story of tea that originated from Assam, Bruce's brother Charles Bruce, conducted further study of these plants that eventually led to commercial tea cultivation in India.

The legend of tea is a part of the ancient Chinese legends. its cultivation and expansion into India was part of an historic process that was which was shaped by colonial trade as well as exploration. The legend has it that the tea discovery in India is believed to be approximately 2737 BCE. Rajveer excitedly shared with Pranjol the fascinating tale of how tea came to be discovered in ancient China. The King Shen Nong, known as the "Divine Farmer," was boiling water when a few tea leaves fell from the sky into the pot. The resultant infusion was refreshing and pleasant and thus discovered tea. This discovery was often believed to be the work of Shen Nong, who is also believed to have discovered the healing qualities of various other plants.

Although this myth originates from China, the growing popularity and cultivation of tea later expanded to other parts of Asia, including India. The tale of how tea was first introduced from India isn't as enshrined in myth, but it is tied to British colonial history.

The British East India Company played an important role in the introduction of tea cultivation to India in the late 19th century. They tried to end the Chinese monopoly on tea production, by cultivating it in other regions of the world and, in particular, India. This is said to be the beginning of the history of tea in India.

Chai History in India

Starting the tea plantation that dates back to 5000 years ago in the Region of India, the spanning tea garden in Assam is a perfect example who much dis tea has influenced the people of India and there by answering why Indians consume this much of tea or chai. The origin of chai was from the China, but the word chai is a Hindi world meaning tea and was derived from the word "cha" which also means tea in China. The origin of Indian chai is a tea-like beverage that has a mix of Indian spices including ginger, cinnamon, cardamon, clover and black peppercorns.

These mix of spices may vary according to the region, culture and taste preference. For example, in the state of Kerala in South India, the "Sulaimani tea", a black tea without milk and a mix of spices, jaggery and lemon is highly renowned. The Sulaimani Tea is believed to be derived in the Arab region, yet it has its share of history in the Malabar region of India as well as Hyderabad. Sulaimani Chai is a delicious sweet-sour spicy hit drink that can be enjoyed after a biryani or at a wedding function.

Like Sulaimani Chai, there are other prominent types of tea available across the globe. Exploring the culinary journey of chai across the globe can be tiring yet ravishing. There are different types of tea available on the market, and some among them are:

• Masala Chai(Chai Tea)

• Black Tea

• Green Tea

• Oolong Tea

• Sulaimani Chai

• Ginger Tea

• Milk Tea

• And many more.

As told before, the history of tea in India dates back centuries. Chai's roots trace back 5,000 to 9,000 years to ancient royal courts in India or Siam, where it was seemingly crafted by a king as a healing Ayurvedic drink. Originally, Chai boasted various spice blends and preparation methods, serving as both a hot and cold remedy for minor illnesses. Oddly enough, it didn't feature black tea until the 1930s.

The British East India Company, aiming to break China's hold on tea supply, planted tea in Assam in 1835. By 1900, India and Ceylon largely replaced China as Britain's tea source. Black tea started mingling with the Chai spice mix in the 1830s, but its high cost hindered its popularity until the 1900s. The India Tea Company pushed for "tea breaks" to boost sales among workers, eventually shaping Chai into the beverage we recognize today.

History of Tea Supply in Indian Railway Stations

Tea served at railway stations across India has played an important role in making tea so popular all over India. During the British colonial period, the tea industry became an important means of transportation along the vast network of railways built throughout India.

Railways helped facilitate the movement of various commodities including tea and tea from tea growing areas to different parts of the country. The addition of tea supply by the Indian railways contributed greatly to the continued consumption of tea and its availability to a larger population.

Beginning in the 19th and early 20th centuries, tea stalls and vendors started popping up at railway stations across India. The stalls catered to travelers and provided a quick refreshing cup of tea on their journey. The ubiquity of these tea stalls made them important focal points at railway stations. Not only fast drinking places, they were also meeting places for people from all walks of life.

The Japanese Influence on Tea:

While tea originated in China, Japan elevated tea consumption to a profound cultural and artistic expression. The Japanese tea ceremony, or chado, is a meticulous ritual that reflects Zen Buddhist concepts such as harmony, respect, purity, and peace.

How Did The Japanese Elevate The Practice of Consuming Tea to Another Level:

The history of tea in Japan began in the 8th century, when Buddhist monks returning from China brought back tea seeds. Tea was originally consumed as a healing beverage, but its popularity expanded quickly. Eisai, a Zen monk, is credited with popularizing tea as a beverage and creating the practice of crushing tea leaves into powder, which served as a precursor to matcha.

Eisai's Zen Buddhist teachings stressed awareness and simplicity. He saw tea as a means to cultivate these attributes. Tea preparation and consumption became an important aspect of Zen practice, providing a moment of peace in the midst of daily life's chaos.

The Evolution of the Tea Ceremony

Over the years, the tea ceremony has evolved from a simple religious practice to a refined art form. Murata Shukō and Takeno Jōō improved the ritual, incorporating beauty and hospitality. The founder of the current tea ceremony, however, is Sen no Rikyu, a 16th-century tea master.

Rikyu wanted to develop a tea ceremony that was accessible to people from all social classes. He stressed simplicity, wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection), and the significance of the tea room as a place of reflection. The tea ritual evolved into a means of connecting with nature, appreciating the beauty of common objects, and cultivating peace within and without.

We'll go Further and Explore Why Is It Considered as a Symphony of Ritual:

The Japanese tea ceremony is a precisely orchestrated performance that incorporates all aspects of the tea experience, from tea room preparation to tea serving. Typically, the ceremony takes place in a modest, simply decorated room, when guests and host exchange calm and courteous words.

The tea master, dressed traditionally, carefully and precisely brews the tea. Whisk powdered matcha with hot water to make a frothy beverage. The tea is served in a tiny bowl and shared from guest to guest. Throughout the ritual, there is a silent admiration for the beauty of the tea utensils, the garden, and the occasion.

The Cultural Significance of Tea in Japan

The Japanese tea ceremony, or chado, is much more than a simple drinking ritual. It is a profound manifestation of Japanese culture, firmly founded in Zen Buddhist philosophy. The elaborate process known as temae includes the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, a powdered green tea.

The tea ceremony is more than just preparing tea; it is also a spiritual journey. It promotes mindfulness by encouraging users to focus entirely on the present moment. Respect is essential, as evidenced by the host's meticulous attention to detail and the harmonious connection with his guests. The ritual also represents the notion of wabi-sabi, which seeks beauty in imperfection and simplicity.

Historically, the tea ceremony was a significant social and cultural touchstone. It provided a platform for people from many backgrounds to connect, developing a feeling of community and a shared love for aesthetics. The ritual also served as a diplomatic instrument, expressing cultural interchange and mutual respect through shared experiences.

Today, the tea ceremony continues to prosper, attracting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. While its complexity may appear daunting, the fundamental values of harmony, respect, and purity are universal. Exploring the history and philosophy of the tea ceremony can provide us with unique insights into Japanese culture, as well as a road to greater awareness and appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Now,

what do you guys think?

Does the question - "what is the Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea?" still arise in your mind? Do share your opinion on the matter in the comment section below.

Also get to know about the Kerala Cuisine.