History of tea in India Upper Assam; in 1840, the Assam Tea Company began the commercial production of tea in the region, run by indentured servitude of the local inhabitants. [This tea was not for export - dis ambiguities needed] Beginning in the 1850s, the tea industry rapidly expanded, consuming vast tracts of land for tea plantations. By the turn of the century, Assam became the leading tea producing region in the world. India was the top producer of tea for nearly a century, but recently China has overtaken India as the top tea producer due to increased land availability. Indian tea companies have acquired
Tea Party Nation Tea Party Nation was among the twelve most influential groups in the Tea Party movement, according to the "National Journal". In September 2010, it was one of the top five most influential organizations in the Tea Party movement, according to the "Washington Post". Tea Party Nation organized the National Tea Party Convention held February 4–6, 2010. Around 600 activists attended the event, and Sarah Palin was featured as the keynote speaker. The event was criticized for its $549 ticket price, as well as the fact that Palin was apparently paid US$100,000 for her appearance. Palin has said she will donate