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ea occupies a unique place in human life and part of its romantic appeal stems from the exotic, remote

oriental origins of the plant. In the early 19th century the pioneers of the industry initiated the planting

of small holdings in Assam which consolidated over time into businesses. The fledgling industry

attracted many adventurous individuals amongst them being the Williamson family, notably George

Williamson Senior and his cousins GeorgeWilliamson Junior and Captain James HayWilliamson (younger

brother of George Junior). At that time there was considerable debate over the merits of the Chinese ‘jat’

versus the Assam ‘jat’ of tea and theWilliamson brothers are said to have decided on the indigenous variety;

this momentous decision is responsible for the growth and success of one of the country’s most important

industries.

The two Georges became closely involved in tea, George Senior leasing land and establishing estates and

George Junior taking over the responsibility of running Assam Company in Assam. Capt. Williamson gave

up his position as skipper of a steamer and worked as agent for the East India Tea Company and for the

interests of the two Georges. In 1866 he met Mr R.B. Magor, an assistant with the Great Eastern Hotel in

Calcutta, where he was a Director. Their subsequent association led to the signing of the First Partnership

Deed in 1869, valid for a period of two years, to form the Williamson Magor Group. This was an auspicious

year in that it also saw the opening of the Suez Canal, an important landmark for the expanding export market

for tea. The agreement was renewed in 1871 and by 1875 its term was increased to five year periods. The

Company had its first office at 7 China Bazaar Street in Calcutta from where they shifted to Hampton Court

at 4 Mangoe Lane, in 1894.

Captain Williamson died in 1898 while his cousin and partner in London, George Williamson Senior, died

in 1903. The following year, the Partnership Deed was renewed between Mr R.B. Magor and Captain

Williamson's brother-in-law, Robert Lyell, both enjoying an equal share and Williamson Magor & Co.

continued to work closely with its London partner, GeorgeWilliamson & Co.

As the fortunes of the Indian tea industry grew, so did those of theWilliamson Magor Group. By the beginning

of the twentieth century, the Company was managing forty-four tea estates and became involved in other

businesses. The post-WWI slump and the Depression caused by theWall Street crash in the 1920s affected

the export of tea; however, both George Williamson & Co. and Williamson Magor & Co. (the London and

Indian partners of the Group) strengthened their positions in the tea industry through the first three decades

of the century.

Mr R. B. Magor passed away in 1933, leaving the Company in the hands of his grandson, Richard Magor, and

CaptainWilliamson’s grandson, Pat Williamson. The latter introduced Mr B.M. Khaitan to the Group in the

late 1940s. Mr Khaitan began supplying the estates with fertilizers and tea chests and was in a position to

advise and help when the partnership found itself under threat. Seven years after Williamson Magor had

become a Limited Company an investor acquired a 25% stake in Bishnauth Tea Company, the flagship of the

Group. Mr Khaitan raised the funds to purchase the investor’s stake and was subsequently invited to join the

Board. In 1963 he became Managing Director and, a year later, Chairman of the Group.

Mr Khaitan’s vision of fifty years has steered the Company ‘Beyond Boundaries’, as “geography has become

history”, (Mr A. Khaitan, February 2012). The number of tea gardens in Assam and North Bengal has grown

to include fifty-six estates; ‘Quest Overseas’ has brought properties in Vietnam, and Uganda and Rwanda in

Africa, into the

fold.We

now produce over 100 million kg of tea which have commanded the highest accolades

for their excellence; we can proudly proclaim that we are the largest producer of quality tea in the world.

The above Narration, our rich legacy, is a testimony to the strength of the organization. The epic journey of

the Group has followed in the footsteps of the Chairman for half a century. “A corporate general, confident

of himself and his worth,” (Business Maharajas), Mr Khaitan believes that, “Tea is not a mere commodity for

us. It is heritage based on values and culture full of sentiments and commitments.”…the philosophy which

lies at the heart of the enterprise and of the Patriarch.

Vidya Kaul

Foreword

Captain James HayWilliamson

GeorgeWilliamson

Richard Manuel Blamey Magor