History of Kangra Tea: A Special Study of Palampur Tea and Cultivators in the 21st Century and Pre-History

Name of Author : Rajesh Kumar Naryal

Abstract: Tea cultivation in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh represents a unique blend of colonial legacy, environmental suitability, and socio-economic transformation. This research paper explores the historical evolution of Kangra tea from its inception in the mid-nineteenth century to its contemporary status, with special emphasis on Palampur as the “Tea Capital of North India.” It examines pre-colonial conditions, British intervention, post-independence decline, and revival strategies in the 21st century. The study also analyses the socio-economic condition of tea cultivators, challenges faced by small tea growers, and recent innovations in sustainable agriculture. The paper argues that despite its global recognition, Kangra tea faces structural challenges that require policy intervention and modernization.

Keywords : modernization, Palampur Tea and Cultivators

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