Long before Old Monk became India’s iconic rum, there was a rum that sparked a rebellion in Australia
dharasuta
Thursday, September 10, 2026
In early Australia, Bengal rum served as more than just a drink; it became a vital currency. Imported by British traders from Calcutta, this potent spirit was a key player in the socio-economic landscape. Governor William Bligh’s efforts to suppress the rum trade culminated in his arrest during the anarchy of the 1808 Rum Rebellion, linking Indian rum's legacy to this pivotal moment in Australian history.
