Explore the Famine of 1943, its causes including food diversion for the army and halted rice imports, and the severe impact on Bengal and surrounding areas.
Famine of 1943: A Man-Made Tragedy and Its Aftermath
The Horror and Inconveniences of War during the 1943 Famine
The horror and inconveniences of World War II were worsened by the famine of 1943 in India.
The worst-affected areas were south-west Bengal comprising the Tamluk-Contai-Diamond Harbour region, Dacca, Faridpur, Tippera, and Noakhali.
Between 1.5 to 3 million people perished due to a combination of epidemics (malaria, cholera, smallpox), malnutrition, and starvation, making this a man-made disaster.
Fundamental Causes of the 1943 Famine
Army's Needs: The need to feed a vast Indian Army during the war diverted vital food resources.
Rice Imports Stopped: Rice imports from Burma and South-East Asia were halted, worsening food scarcity.
Aggravation of the Famine: The famine was further aggravated by mismanagement, deliberate profiteering, and delayed rationing efforts that were restricted to major cities.
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