Hungry Bengal: War, Famine and the End of Empire

The years leading up to India's independence and partition were a tumultuous period in Bengal's history, marked by political uncertainty, social turmoil, and collective violence. Three major crises shaped the social, economic, and political context: the Second World War, the Bengal famine of 1943, and the Calcutta riots of 1946. Hungry Bengal examines these events to analyze the complex nexus of hunger, war, and civil violence in colonial Bengal at the twilight of British rule.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The years preceding India's independence and the subsequent partition marked a turbulent period in Bengal's history, serving as a significant front in the Indian struggle against colonial rule and a crucial Allied outpost in the British/American war against Japan. Bengal stood at the crossroads of complex and contentious structural forces, both domestic and international, which together defined an era of political uncertainty, social turmoil, and collective violence. While the British prioritized saving the empire from imminent collapse at any cost, the majority of the Indian population faced years of acute scarcity, violent dislocation, and enduring calamity.

In particular, three major crises shaped the social, economic, and political context of pre-partition Bengal: the Second World War, the Bengal famine of 1943, and the Calcutta riots of 1946. Hungry Bengal delves into these intricately interconnected events, focusing on the political economy of war and famine to analyze the complex nexus of hunger, war, and civil violence in colonial Bengal at the twilight of British rule.

The Second World War had a profound impact on Bengal, both directly and indirectly. The war led to a significant increase in the demand for resources, particularly food and textiles, as the British and American armies mobilized for combat. This increased demand strained Bengal's resources, leading to food shortages and price hikes. Additionally, the war disrupted transportation networks, making it difficult for food and other supplies to reach the affected areas.

The Bengal famine of 1943 was one of the most devastating famines in Indian history, resulting in the deaths of millions of people. The famine was caused by a combination of factors, including a severe drought, poor agricultural practices, and administrative inefficiency. The famine exacerbated the already existing social and economic tensions in Bengal, leading to widespread unrest and violence.

The Calcutta riots of 1946 were a series of violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims in Calcutta, the capital of Bengal. The riots were triggered by a combination of factors, including political tensions, economic disparities, and communal violence. The riots lasted for several days and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.

Hungry Bengal examines these crises in depth, highlighting the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to their occurrence and impact. The book also explores the responses of various actors, including the British government, local communities, and resistance movements, to the crises.

One of the key themes of Hungry Bengal is the role of the colonial government in exacerbating the crises. The government's policies, including the implementation of forced labor, land reform, and taxation, led to widespread resentment and resistance among the local population. The government's inability to address the underlying causes of the crises, such as poverty and inequality, further fueled the unrest and violence.

At the same time, local communities and resistance movements played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of the crises. The resistance movements, particularly those led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, advocated for social justice, equality, and non-violence. They organized protests, boycotts, and strikes to demand better conditions and rights for the affected population.

Despite the challenges and hardships faced by the people of Bengal, the years leading up to independence and partition also saw the emergence of a new sense of nationalism and unity among the Indian population. The struggles and sacrifices made by the people of Bengal in the fight against colonial rule inspired generations of Indians to come and fight for their freedom.

In conclusion, the years leading up to India's independence and partition marked a tumultuous period in Bengal's history, characterized by political uncertainty, social turmoil, and collective violence. The Second World War, the Bengal famine of 1943, and the Calcutta riots of 1946 were three major crises that shaped the social, economic, and political context of pre-partition Bengal. Hungry Bengal examines these crises in depth, highlighting the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to their occurrence and impact. The book also explores the responses of various actors, including the British government, local communities, and resistance movements, to the crises. Through its analysis, Hungry Bengal sheds light on the complex and interconnected nature of hunger, war, and civil violence in colonial Bengal and provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of India's history and the legacy of British rule.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787389670