91福利社

The introduction of industrial tea production in India in the 19th Century created huge demand for tea pickers.

Many were employed under a system of indenture. These contracts often meant five years of work in return for bed and board.

Jo Sharma of the University of Toronto tells Sathnam Sanghera about the harrowing conditions people found themselves working in.

He also considers claims that some of the modern problems in the industry, like low wages and poor health and safety conditions, are a legacy of that imperial system.

Producer: Paul Martin

A 91福利社 Audio Wales production for 91福利社 Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2023.