Question

Which of the following personalities is credited with bringing rubber seeds from Brazil, eventually leading to its cultivation in regions like Central Travancore?

• A. John Joseph Murphy
• B. Sir Henry Wickham
• C. Dr. Varghese Kurien
• D. Norman Borlaug

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Sir Henry Wickham

Sir Henry Wickham and Rubber Cultivation in India

Sir Henry Wickham, an English adventurer and planter, is widely recognized for his pivotal role in introducing rubber cultivation to India. In 1876, he collected approximately 70,000 rubber seeds from the Amazon basin in Brazil.

The Journey and Establishment:

• Wickham transported these valuable seeds to England under challenging circumstances, risking confiscation by the Brazilian authorities.

• The seeds were successfully germinated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, near London.

• Subsequently, young rubber plants were sent to various British colonies, including Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and India.

Impact on India:

• The cultivation of rubber in India largely took root in the regions of Central Travancore (present-day Kerala).

• This initiative marked the beginning of a significant agricultural industry in India, particularly in the southern parts of the country.

• Kerala remains the leading rubber-producing state in India, contributing a substantial portion of the country's natural rubber output.

Historical Context:

• The British colonial administration sought to establish a monopoly over the rubber trade, which was dominated by South American countries at the time.

• Wickham's efforts were instrumental in breaking this South American monopoly and diversifying the sources of natural rubber globally.