5 Tea from Assam 10

 

5  Tea from Assam

by Arup Kumar Datta:

 

Summary: "Tea from Assam"

The chapter "Tea from Assam" is an extract from a travelogue written by Arup Kumar Datta, an Assamese author. It highlights the scenic beauty of Assam and provides factual information about the origin and importance of tea in India and the world. The story is written in a descriptive and informative style, blending a travel narrative with interesting facts.

 

 Journey Begins: Rajvir and Pranjol

• The story begins with two friends — Rajvir and Pranjol, both teenagers — who are traveling by train to Assam.
• Pranjol is from Assam, and Rajvir is visiting him during the school vacation.
• As they travel, Rajvir is excited to see the beautiful natural scenery. He notices vast tea gardens, lush green fields, and hills covered with plantations.
• Rajvir is very curious and knowledgeable about tea, much to the surprise of Pranjol.

 

 Discussion About Tea

• As the train passes through tea country, Rajvir talks about the history of tea and how it is believed to have been discovered.
• He shares two interesting legends:

1. Chinese Legend:
A Chinese emperor discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. The resulting drink was tasty and refreshing.

2. Indian Legend:
An ancient Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, cut off his eyelids to stop himself from sleeping during meditation. From those eyelids, tea plants grew.

• Rajvir also explains that tea was first drunk in China as far back as 2700 B.C., and later, it became popular in Europe during the 16th century — initially used as medicine.

 

 The Scenic Assam Landscape

• As they enter Assam, Rajvir is awed by the endless tea gardens. He sees workers — mostly women — plucking tea leaves in the fields.
• The atmosphere is lively and green, with cool winds and a natural fragrance. The fields look like a well-trimmed carpet, and the pruning of tea bushes is done in a very neat manner.
• Rajvir is fascinated and deeply admires the beauty and scale of the Assam tea industry.

 

 Arrival at Pranjol’s Place

• Pranjol is used to this environment and is not as impressed as Rajvir, but Rajvir continues to enjoy every bit of the scenery.
• As the train reaches Mariani Junction, they get down and drive to Pranjol’s father’s tea estate.
• On the way, they see even more lush tea gardens. Rajvir is excited to learn more about the process of tea production during his stay.

 

Conclusion

The chapter ends with Rajvir showing enthusiasm to explore the world of tea in Assam. It reflects the blend of natural beauty, culture, and industry that surrounds tea in India. The story not only informs the reader about tea's origin and history, but also builds curiosity and appreciation for nature and agriculture.

 

 Key Takeaways

• Tea is the most popular beverage in the world.
• Assam is famous for its large tea plantations.
• The chapter combines travel experience with educational information.
• It emphasizes the importance of Indian agriculture and tradition.
• The use of legends, facts, and descriptions makes the chapter interesting and informative.

 

 

 

 

 Tea from Assam –

Detailed Explanation with Word Meanings

 

 Paragraph 1–2

"‘Chai-garam... garam-chai,’... with a high-pitched voice."

Explanation:
The story begins on a train journey. A tea-seller walks through the corridor calling “Chai garam... garam chai,” offering hot tea to passengers. The two boys, Pranjol and Rajvir, are seated by the window, enjoying their tea and the scenic view.

Word meanings:

• Garam: Hot (in Hindi)
• High-pitched: Loud or sharp tone

 

 Paragraph 3–4

"It was a magnificent view... bushes running as far as eye could see."

Explanation:
Rajvir admires the beautiful view from the train. He sees endless green tea gardens, with rows of tea bushes spread far and wide. It looks like a green carpet running alongside the train.

Word meanings:

• Magnificent: Grand or splendid
• Mesmerised: Captivated, amazed
• Shrubs: Small bushes
• Beverage: A drink (like tea or coffee)

 

 Paragraph 5

"‘Tea was first drunk in China’... European merchants."

Explanation:
Rajvir tells Pranjol that tea was first drunk in China as early as 2700 B.C. It came to Europe in the 16th century but was used more as medicine than a regular drink at that time.

 

 Paragraph 6–7

"The train clattered into Mariani junction... had managed to stay awake."

Explanation:
As the train reaches Mariani junction, Pranjol and Rajvir get off. On the way to Pranjol’s father's tea estate, Rajvir shares two legends about how tea was discovered — one from China, and the other from India (the story of Bodhidharma).

Word meanings:

• Clattered: Made a loud rattling sound
• Legend: Old traditional story
• Wink: Sleep
• Meditating: Deep thinking or focusing the mind

 

Paragraph 8

"‘Cheerfully, almost every culture... tea became popular in England.’"

Explanation:
Rajvir continues explaining the spread of tea. Almost every culture has its own story about tea. He mentions a man named Robert Clive, who helped make tea popular in England during the colonial period.

 

 Paragraph 9–10

"An hour later the car veered... a factory with smoke rising out."

Explanation:
They are now traveling by car. Rajvir is amazed at the well-maintained tea gardens on both sides of the road. The bushes are planted in straight lines. They also pass by a tea factory, where tea leaves are processed.

Word meanings:

• Veered off: Turned away
• Billowing: Rising like clouds or waves
• Neatly pruned: Trimmed carefully

 

 Final Paragraph

"‘This is the second-flush... Rajvir asked excitedly."

Explanation:
Pranjol tells Rajvir that it's the time for the second-flush or second harvest of the season — when best quality tea is produced. Rajvir is thrilled and eager to learn more about tea during his stay.

Word meanings:

• Second-flush: Second tea harvesting season (May–June)
• Excitedly: With enthusiasm and eagerness

 

 What We Learn:

• Tea is not just a drink; it has a rich history and cultural significance.
• Assam is a major tea-producing region, with scenic beauty and hardworking people.
• The story mixes travel, nature, and history, making it both educational and enjoyable.
• Rajvir's curiosity and excitement show how one can learn through exploration.

 

 

 

 1. What are the two boys doing in the beginning of the story?

Answer): Rajvir and Pranjol are traveling by train to Assam. They are sipping tea and enjoying the scenic view outside. Rajvir, especially excited, watches the tea gardens with great interest, as it is his first visit to a tea plantation.

 

 2. What did Rajvir see outside the train window?

Answer  Rajvir saw vast stretches of neatly trimmed tea bushes on both sides of the train. The landscape appeared like a green sea, and he also noticed women plucking tea leaves in bamboo baskets. He was mesmerized by the beautiful view.

 

3. Why did Pranjol not share Rajvir’s excitement?

Answer (40 words):
Pranjol was born and brought up in Assam, where tea gardens are common. He had seen such views all his life, so he wasn’t as excited as Rajvir, who was seeing tea plantations for the first time.

 

 4. What legends are told about tea?

Answer (40 words):
Rajvir shares two legends. One says that Chinese Emperor discovered tea when leaves accidentally fell into his boiling water. Another says that Indian monk Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids, and tea plants grew from them to keep people awake.

 

5. What is the Indian legend about tea?

Answer (40 words):
According to the Indian legend, a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids to stop himself from sleeping during meditation. Tea plants sprouted from where his eyelids fell. Their leaves helped people stay awake and alert.

 

 6. Where was tea first drunk, and when?

Answer (40 words):
Tea was first drunk in China as early as 2700 B.C. It spread to Europe in the 16th century but was initially used more as a medicine than as a regular drink for refreshment or pleasure.

 

 7. What is the second-flush tea? Why is it special?

Answer (40 words):
Second-flush tea refers to the second harvest season, usually during May–June. It is considered the finest quality tea due to its richer flavor and aroma. Rajvir was excited to see the process and learn more during his visit.