Memsahib's in Tea Industry: A Study of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri Districts in Nineteenth and twentieth Century

Abstract

The Memsahib 's in tea plantations were mainly of British, Scottish or Irish descent. They enjoyed the social status derived from their husband's rank in the colonial hierarchy. A Jew of them were prolific writers, painters. On a larger garden the Memsahib might have one or two European assistants. Indian servants were an indispensable part of their daily mode of living. They were completely depended on Indian wet - nurses (ayahs) to breast feed their children. In short they established an identity for themselves in a European male dominated society by writing, travelling and most importantly by religious and philanthropic activity.