Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Provide a brief overview of the colonial economic policies in India.
- Highlight the prevalence and devastating impact of famines during British rule (e.g., 34 famines occurred during British rule, causing over 60 million deaths).
2. Key Factors and Policies
Divide the body into clear subheadings addressing specific colonial policies that contributed to famines.
- Land Revenue System: High, rigid taxes reduced surplus grain storage.
- Fact: Revenue collection continued even during famines like the Orissa famine of 1866 and Rajputana famine of 1869.
- Shift to Cash Crops: Food crop cultivation decreased in favor of export-oriented cash crops.
- Fact: From 1895 to 1935, the area under cotton cultivation rose by 68%, while staple crop production declined from 66% to 58%.
- Unrestricted Export of Food Grains: Food exports continued during famines, worsening domestic scarcity.
- Fact: During the Great Famine of 1876-78, wheat exports increased by 14%, reaching 6.4 million hundredweight in 1877-78.
- War-Time Economic Policies: Diverting resources for British war efforts caused local food shortages.
- Fact: The Bengal famine of 1943 resulted in three million deaths due to wartime resource redirection.
- Integration with Global Economy: Dependence on global trade exposed the economy to global economic shocks.
- Fact: During the Great Depression, agricultural prices fell by 44% (1929-1931), reducing farmers’ purchasing power.
3. Examples to Illustrate
Incorporate concrete examples such as:
- The Bengal famine (1943): Caused by war-induced policies.
- The Great Famine (1876-78): Food exports worsened scarcity.
- Orissa famine (1866): High revenue collection persisted despite food shortages.
4. Conclusion
Summarize the capitalist nature of British policies, emphasizing their prioritization of profits over the welfare of Indian people. State the long-lasting socio-economic consequences of these policies on India.
Relevant Facts for Answers
- Famines During British Rule:
- Fact: 34 famines occurred under British rule, causing over 60 million deaths.
- Revenue Policy Impact:
- Fact: Revenue demands remained unchanged during famines like Orissa (1866) and Rajputana (1869).
- Shift to Cash Crops:
- Fact: Cotton cultivation increased by 68% (1895-1935), while staple crop output declined.
- Food Exports During Famine:
- Fact: Wheat exports rose by 14% during the Great Famine of 1876-78.
- Bengal Famine (1943):
- Fact: Wartime policies caused three million deaths.
- Impact of Global Economy:
- Fact: Agricultural prices dropped by 44% during the Great Depression (1929-1931).
Model Answer
Colonial economic policies in India, driven by capitalist motives, prioritized resource extraction and profit-making for the British Empire, often at the expense of Indian lives. These policies significantly contributed to famines, which claimed over 60 million lives during British rule.
1. Exploitative Land Revenue System
The British imposed rigid and exorbitant land revenue demands, leaving peasants unable to save surplus grains as a buffer against scarcity.
2. Shift to Cash Crops
The focus on cash crops like cotton and jute reduced the cultivation of staple food crops, worsening food availability during crises.
3. Unrestricted Export of Food Grains
Even during famines, the colonial administration prioritized exporting food to meet international market demands over feeding the local population.
4. War-Time Economic Policies
World War II policies diverted essential resources for British military needs, leaving the Indian population vulnerable.
5. Integration with the Global Economy
Global market dependency exposed Indian agriculture to economic shocks, lowering agricultural workers’ incomes and purchasing power.
Conclusion
The colonial government’s prioritization of profits over people led to systemic food insecurity and famines, reflecting a disregard for Indian lives. These policies had long-term socio-economic consequences, leaving India scarred by starvation and suffering.