Model Answer

Introduction

The mid-eighteenth century marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India, which significantly altered the social and economic landscape. One of the most catastrophic consequences of this period was the alarming increase in famines, leading to widespread starvation and loss of life among the Indian populace.

Body

1. Agricultural Policies

British land revenue policies, such as the Permanent Settlement of 1793, imposed heavy tax burdens on farmers, discouraging investment in agricultural improvements. The Ryotwari System further intensified these pressures, leading to financial strain and reduced agricultural productivity (Source: “The Economic History of India” by B.R. Tomlinson).

2. Cash Crops and Commercialization

The British encouraged the cultivation of cash crops like indigo, cotton, and opium, which resulted in a decline in food crop production. This shift made the Indian population increasingly vulnerable to food shortages and famines, as local food supplies were sacrificed for export (Source: “Colonialism in India: A Historical Perspective” by Prakash Chandra).

3. Inadequate Infrastructure

While the British developed extensive rail networks, they neglected agricultural infrastructure, particularly irrigation systems. This lack of investment in irrigation made farming more susceptible to droughts and crop failures (Source: “The Famine in India” by D. K. Das).

4. Economic Exploitation

The British extraction of resources through heavy taxation and trade imbalances led to widespread poverty. Dadabhai Naoroji’s theory of the “drain of wealth” underscores how colonial policies depleted India’s wealth, leaving little for famine relief efforts (Source: “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India”).

5. Inadequate Famine Relief Measures

The colonial government’s response to famines was often inadequate and delayed. During the Orissa famine of 1866, relief measures were criticized for prioritizing law and order over immediate aid (Source: “Famines and Feasts: The Influence of Colonial Policy on the Indian Famine of 1866” by M. K. Puri).

6. Ecological Factors

Deforestation for agricultural expansion exacerbated drought conditions, leading to more frequent famines. For instance, deforestation in the Central Provinces and Berar caused significant ecological imbalances (Source: “The Ecological History of India” by R. R. Nair).

Conclusion

The famines during colonial India were a direct result of exploitative British policies, ecological degradation, and inadequate government response. These factors not only caused loss of life but also left a lasting impact on the Indian economy and society, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and equitable resource management.