Consider the following statements. 1. Regular recurrence of famines b...
Regular recurrence of famines in India:
- The first statement states that regular recurrence of famines became a common feature of daily existence in India. This statement is correct.
- India has a long history of famines, with records of severe famines dating back to ancient times. However, during the colonial period, famines in India became more frequent and widespread.
- The East India Company, and later the British colonial authorities, introduced policies that disrupted traditional agricultural practices and led to the loss of livelihoods for many farmers and agricultural laborers.
- Additionally, the British policies and economic exploitation of India resulted in the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
- These factors, combined with natural disasters such as droughts or floods, often led to severe food shortages and famines in different regions of India.
- The famines were not just a result of food grain scarcity but were also a direct consequence of the poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces.
Direct result of poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces:
- The second statement asserts that these famines were a direct result of poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces. This statement is also correct.
- The colonial policies of the British in India, such as the imposition of high taxes, the introduction of cash crops, and the destruction of local industries, led to economic exploitation and impoverishment of the Indian population.
- The British administration also prioritized the export of agricultural products from India, leaving insufficient food supplies for the local population during times of scarcity.
- The colonial authorities failed to implement effective relief measures during famines, exacerbating the suffering of the affected communities.
- Many historians and scholars argue that the colonial policies and economic exploitation of India by the British were significant factors in the occurrence and severity of famines during this period.
- The famines not only resulted in the loss of lives but also had long-lasting social and economic consequences, further deepening poverty and inequality in India.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, both statements are correct. Regular famines became a common feature in India during the colonial period, and these famines were a direct result of poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces. The policies and economic exploitation by the British colonial authorities exacerbated poverty and inequality in India, leading to severe food shortages and famines.
Consider the following statements. 1. Regular recurrence of famines b...
- Regular recurrence of famines became a common feature of daily existence in India.
- These famines were not just because of food grain scarcity but were a direct result of poverty unleashed by India's colonial forces. Between 1850 and 1900, about 2.8 crore people died in famines.