Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Famines have been a recurring feature of Indian history, but their nature and severity underwent a significant transformation under British colonial rule. While natural factors like drought undoubtedly played a role, attributing famines solely to foodgrain scarcity is a gross oversimplification. The colonial period witnessed a series of devastating famines, far exceeding the scale and frequency of those experienced previously. This was not accidental; rather, it was a direct consequence of economic policies designed to serve British interests, transforming India into a supplier of raw materials and a market for British manufactured goods, often at the expense of food security.
Pre-Colonial Famine Management
Prior to colonial rule, traditional Indian systems existed for mitigating the impact of famines. These included:
- Grain Reserves: Local rulers and communities maintained grain reserves (kothis) to be used during times of scarcity.
- Public Works: Construction of irrigation works, tanks, and roads provided employment and improved agricultural resilience.
- Remission of Taxes: Rulers often remitted land revenue during periods of hardship.
- Charitable Giving: Religious institutions and wealthy individuals played a role in providing relief.
These systems, while not foolproof, provided a degree of buffer against famine.
The Shift Under Colonial Rule
The arrival of the British East India Company and subsequent direct rule fundamentally altered these systems. Colonial economic policies prioritized revenue extraction and commercialization of agriculture, leading to increased vulnerability to famine.
- Land Revenue Systems: The introduction of systems like the Permanent Settlement (1793), Ryotwari System, and Mahalwari System led to high land revenue demands, often exceeding the capacity of peasants to pay, especially during droughts. Failure to pay resulted in land confiscation.
- Commercialization of Agriculture: Peasants were encouraged to grow cash crops like indigo, cotton, and opium, often at the expense of food crops. This reduced food availability and increased dependence on market forces.
- Destruction of Traditional Industries: The decline of Indian handicrafts due to competition from British manufactured goods led to unemployment and reduced purchasing power, exacerbating vulnerability to famine.
- Neglect of Irrigation and Public Works: Investment in irrigation and public works, crucial for drought mitigation, was significantly reduced under colonial rule.
- Free Trade Policies: The insistence on free trade meant that India continued to export foodgrains even during times of scarcity, as it was more profitable for British merchants.
Specific Examples of Famines and Colonial Policies
| Famine | Year(s) | Contributing Colonial Policies | Estimated Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengal Famine | 1770 | Early Company policies focused on revenue extraction; disruption of traditional agricultural practices. | ~10 million |
| Great Famine of 1876-78 | 1876-78 | High land revenue demands; export of grain despite scarcity; lack of relief measures. | ~5.5 million |
| Indian Famine of 1896-1900 | 1896-1900 | Continued emphasis on cash crops; inadequate famine relief policies; bureaucratic inefficiencies. | ~19 million |
| Bengal Famine | 1943 | Wartime inflation; disruption of supply chains; hoarding; inadequate government response. (Though wartime, colonial policies exacerbated the situation) | ~3 million |
The Famine Commission of 1880, appointed in response to the 1876-78 famine, acknowledged the role of colonial policies but largely focused on improving administrative efficiency rather than addressing the fundamental economic issues. The Lipton Commission (1903) also highlighted deficiencies in famine relief but failed to challenge the underlying colonial economic structure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while natural factors played a role in triggering famines in colonial India, the severity and frequency of these disasters were undeniably linked to exploitative colonial economic policies. The prioritization of revenue extraction, the commercialization of agriculture, the destruction of traditional industries, and the neglect of public welfare created a system where famine became a recurring and preventable tragedy. The famines were not merely failures of nature, but failures of a political and economic system designed to benefit the colonizer at the expense of the colonized.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.