Bengal Famine
The Bengal Famine of 1943 was a devastating food crisis that occurred in the Bengal province of British India. It resulted in the deaths of an estimated 2 to 3 million people due to starvation and malnutrition. The famine was exacerbated by wartime policies, crop failures, and the British government's prioritization of resources for World War II, which led to severe food shortages.
Several factors contributed to the famine, including poor harvests, hoarding of rice, and the disruption of food supply chains. The British colonial administration's response was criticized for being inadequate and slow, further worsening the situation. The Bengal Famine remains a significant event in the history of colonial India, highlighting the impact of governance on food security.