The sudden rise in famines in colonial India from the mid-eighteenth century was largely due to exploitative British economic policies, neglect of agricultural development, and forced revenue collection. This shift disrupted traditional livelihoods and food security, leading to widespread suffering. Understanding these causes sheds light on the socioeconomic impacts of colonial rule.

Q. 3 Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.

Model Answers:

Introduction

The sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century can be attributed to a combination of economic, administrative, and environmental factors.

Body

Some of the famines were 

• Great Bengal Famine (1770) - One of the earliest and most devastating famines, it resulted in the death of an estimated 10 million people. 
• Orissa Famine (1866) - This famine resulted in the death of about a third of the population of Orissa. 
• Great Famine (1876-78) - Affecting southern and western India, this famine led to the death of approximately 5.5 million people. 

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Key Reasons 

• British East India Company's policies- The company prioritised profit over food security, encouraging cash crop cultivation (like indigo, cotton, and opium) instead of food grains. This shift reduced food production and made the agricultural economy more vulnerable to market fluctuations.
• Land revenue systems -  The introduction of new land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement in Bengal (1793) led to the dispossession of many small farmers. High tax rates left farmers with little surplus, making them vulnerable during crop failures.
• Commercialization of agriculture- The emphasis on exporting raw materials to Britain led to reduced food crop cultivation for local consumption. This made India more dependent on food imports and vulnerable to price fluctuations.
• Deindustrialization -  The decline of India's traditional handicraft industries, particularly textiles, due to British policies and competition from machine-made goods. This led to a loss of non-agricultural income for many rural households, increasing their vulnerability during crop failures.
• Lack of investment in agriculture -  The British administration invested little in improving agricultural productivity or irrigation systems. This left Indian agriculture highly dependent on monsoon rains and vulnerable to climate fluctuations.

Conclusion

These factors combined to create a situation where even minor crop failures could lead to widespread famine, resulting in the observed increase in famines from the mid-18th century onwards in colonial India. 

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