Gardens and Science in 19th Century India

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following cities did not have an observatory established by the Company by the early nineteenth century?

Calcutta

Madras

Bombay

Delhi (correct)

What was considered an important impulse for cultural initiatives within the British Empire?

Agricultural improvement (correct)

Religious beliefs

Military expansion

Artistic expression

What was the purpose of the gardens established by the Company?

To create tourist attractions

To provide food for the local population

To serve as recreational spaces for locals

To advance economic and ideological goals (correct)

Which society was organized in 1816 by various city luminaries including a missionary?

Horticultural Society Signup and view all the answers

Who was notably involved in the establishment of Kyd’s Calcutta Garden?

James Kyd Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the Ordnance Survey initiated by the Company?

Military logistics Signup and view all the answers

Which key aspect was associated with the resuscitation of older Mughal collections?

Cultural heritage preservation Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant criticism of the connections made between the centres and peripheries of the British Empire?

Insufficiency of historical documentation Signup and view all the answers

Who was the pioneer in Assam’s tea discovery?

Robert Bruce Signup and view all the answers

What was Assam primarily known as to the British in Bengal?

A vast, fever-infested jungle area Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily used Assam’s tea leaves as a beverage?

The local Singphos and Khamtis Signup and view all the answers

What was Robert Bruce's occupation prior to his ventures in Assam?

Major in the Bengal Artillery Signup and view all the answers

What role did Charles Bruce play after the outbreak of the Anglo-Burmese War?

He led a division of gunboats Signup and view all the answers

Which local chief did Robert Bruce make an engagement with for tea plants?

Beesa Gaum Signup and view all the answers

What was the political situation in Assam at the time of Robert Bruce's explorations?

It was occupied by Burmese with a puppet ruler Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Charles Bruce's earlier service in the Isle of France and Java?

It prepared him for military command in Assam Signup and view all the answers

What was David Crole's criticism concerning the introduction of certain policies in the Assam tea industry?

They resulted from a lack of hands-on experience. Signup and view all the answers

What did Crole imply was necessary for making better policies in the tea industry?

A mix of scientific and practical knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key misunderstanding among British botanists prior to the 1840s regarding tea?

They did not understand that green tea and black tea come from the same plant. Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of the research conducted in China and Assam during the 1840s?

To find and improve tea plant species. Signup and view all the answers

How did David Crole describe the effect of the scientists' actions on the Assam tea industry?

As potentially catastrophic. Signup and view all the answers

What role did William Griffith play related to the tea industry?

Assistant-surgeon and tea researcher. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about Wallich's involvement in the theoretical discussions on tea?

He didn’t play a prominent role despite his contributions. Signup and view all the answers

What attitude does Crole display towards the decision-making process in tea policy?

He believes practical experience is essential in policy formation. Signup and view all the answers

What position did Maniram hold after the dethronement of Purandar Singha?

Land agent for the Assam Company Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Purandar Singha's dethronement?

His 'misgovernment' as stated by the British Signup and view all the answers

Which expeditions did Maniram initially work for during his career?

Expeditions against the Khamtis and Singphos Signup and view all the answers

What proposal did Purandar Singha make regarding the Gubroo hill?

To retain half for tea cultivation Signup and view all the answers

What role did William Prinsep have in relation to Maniram?

He was a visitor from the Assam Company Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be inferred about Manipur's king's concerns regarding tea cultivation?

It could result in loss of power to the planters Signup and view all the answers

What significance did Maniram's influence have on Purandar's collaboration with the tea enterprise?

It allowed for the introduction of tea cultivation methods Signup and view all the answers

What time period did Maniram serve as a minister under the last independent king of Assam?

1824-1825 Signup and view all the answers

What was a major goal of scientists and planters regarding the tea from Assam?

To enhance the indigenous breed using Chinese genes. Signup and view all the answers

How was tea perceived in the bourgeois world of consumption in London during the seventeenth century?

As a representation of refinement and luxury. Signup and view all the answers

What term closely relates to the Assamese word 'jat' in tea discourse?

Caste. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did British tea traders face in adapting tea from Assam?

The perceived inferiority of the indigenous Assam tea. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Gordon's smuggling of Chinese seeds in the context of tea cultivation?

It aimed to overcome the challenges of local tea strains. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of tea cultivation changed in the discourse during the nineteenth century?

Questioning the wisdom of using Chinese genes. Signup and view all the answers

What did the British Imperial agenda imply about the local 'jat' of tea in Assam?

It was considered unsatisfactory for their goals. Signup and view all the answers

What potential was attributed to tea consumption among the proletariat in the mother country?

A means to moral and economic improvement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Establishment of Scientific Infrastructure

By the early nineteenth century, the East India Company had set up observatories in Madras, Calcutta, Bombay, and St Helena.
Initiatives included an Ordnance Survey and the founding of new botanic gardens in Calcutta and Madras, revitalizing older Mughal gardens such as in Saharanpore.

Role of Gardens in the Empire

Gardens served as economic and ideological assets, promoting the advancement of scientific knowledge in distant colonies.
The improvement of agriculture was a central motivation for the formation of learned societies, reflecting a cultural initiative linked to imperial expansion.

Agricultural Societies

A Horticultural Society was formed in Calcutta in 1816, followed by an Agricultural Society in 1820, involving local luminaries such as missionary William Carey.

Tea Culture in Assam

Assam's tea was initially known only to local tribes and was viewed by British as an unrefined product from a 'fever-infested jungle.'
Robert Bruce discovered tea plants in Assam in 1823 and collaborated with local leaders to secure tea samples.

Impact of the Anglo-Burmese War

The war in 1824 facilitated British control over Assam, leading to further exploration and integration of local commerce into the empire.
Charles Bruce, brother of Robert, played a significant role in military and administrative efforts in Northeast India.

Scientific Engagement and Commercial Aspirations

Early British botanists had limited understanding of tea's cultivation and variety, confusing green and black teas as different plants.
Post-1840s research led to significant advancements in tea cultivation, with an emphasis on hybridization and improved agricultural practices.

Economic Potential of Tea

Tea symbolized moral and economic progress, with high demand anticipated in both Britain and potentially in India.
British perception of tea consumption was linked to refinement and luxury, contrasting with the local use of Assam tea.

Cultural Dynamics in Tea Production

British scientists and planters focused on improving Assam's indigenous tea species through the introduction of Chinese tea seeds.
Local terminology such as 'jat' was employed in assessing indigenous plants, reflecting a framework for classifying native resources according to imperial priorities.

Local Leadership and Its Challenges

Maniram, the minister to the last independent Assam king, transitioned to working with the British after losing his position.
His significant influence was noted in collaborative efforts between local rulers and the British to establish tea plantations.

Political Implications

The dethronement of local leaders raised concerns about the loss of autonomy over regions introduced to tea cultivation, a dynamic noted in later resistance from regional rulers.
Despite facing challenges, Maniram’s contributions to the Assam Company highlighted the intricate relationship between local political structures and colonial commercial interests.

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Description

Explore the establishment and impact of botanical gardens in India during the early nineteenth century. This quiz delves into the observatories set up by the Company and their role in advancing scientific knowledge. Discover how these gardens served both economic and ideological purposes.