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When did Bengal famine broke out in India? What was it's major effects?
When did Bengal famine broke out in India? What was it’s major effects?
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This discussion was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by
Kidpid.
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This discussion was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by
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The Bengal famine occurred in British India during World War II. It broke out in 1943 and lasted until 1944, primarily affecting the Bengal province, which is present-day West Bengal in India and Bangladesh.
The major effects of the Bengal famine were devastating. It is estimated that between 1.5 and 3 million people died as a result of starvation, malnutrition, and related diseases during the famine period. The exact number of casualties remains a subject of debate among historians.
Several factors contributed to the severity of the famine. The primary cause was a combination of natural disasters, such as a cyclone and widespread flooding in 1942, which severely affected agricultural production. Additionally, during World War II, the British government implemented policies that led to the diversion of food resources from India to support the war effort, exacerbating the food shortage in Bengal.
The British authorities were slow to respond to the crisis and failed to take adequate measures to alleviate the suffering. There were policies in place that restricted the movement of food grains and exacerbated the scarcity. The government also prioritized the needs of the military and the war effort over the welfare of the civilian population.
Furthermore, the socioeconomic conditions in Bengal at the time, including high poverty rates and an unequal distribution of resources, worsened the impact of the famine. The most vulnerable groups, such as the rural poor and marginalized communities, were disproportionately affected.
The Bengal famine had far-reaching consequences on the region. It led to a significant loss of life and devastation, causing immense suffering and long-term economic and social consequences. The famine also had political repercussions, contributing to a growing sense of discontent and fueling nationalist sentiments against British colonial rule in India.
