The aim of this paper is to give a picture of the famine and all its elements as complete as possible within the restraints of this paper, as well as discussing several different theories as to the cause of the famine, e.g. food availability decline and food entitlement decline. At the end of the paper, the question “What caused the Great Bengal Famine?” will be extensively answered from as many perspectives as possible by comparing and criticizing them throughout the text.
Establishing the incidence, spread, and severity of famines in the past has never been easy. There is a plethora of preconditions, causes and hazards coming together resulting in disaster. This is no different in the case of the Great Bengal Famine or Ponchasher Monnontor in 1943-44. In examining the causes of this particular famine, not only are there a lot of different factors to consider, but there are many contradictory theories surrounding the events taking place in the province of Bengal during that time period. Further complicating the research is the uncertainty on circumstances surrounding the famine and the official inquiry published by the colonial government. Over and beyond there does not seem a complete study on the Great Bengal Famine considering and comparing all aspects of the time and most of the theories surrounding it.
This goal is going to be accomplished by discussing the general history and the key data of the Bengal famine 1943-44 in the first chapter. The following and main chapter of the paper concentrates on causes and hazards in regard to the Great Bengal Famine and is threefold. First, there is a discussion about natural causes including a description of the natural hazards occurring at the beginning of the famine, a description of the consequential rice shortage and a closer look at the food availability decline (FAD) approach. Second, the socio-economic causes of the famine will be examined in connection with the concept of vulnerability, the food entitlement decline (FED) approach and the hoarding and speculation claim by the colonial government will be discussed. Third, a closer look will be taken at political causes of the famine including the war related policies instated during the Second World War in Bengal and famine relief policies as well as the general approach to the Great Bengal Famine the colonial government exhibited. At the end, the different causes are being put in relation to each other and their interplay is discussed.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- History of the Great Bengal Famine
- Causes and Hazards
- Natural Causes
- Natural Hazards
- Food Availability Decline (FAD)
- Socio-economic Causes
- Vulnerability: Poverty and Inequality
- Food Entitlement Decline (FED)
- Hoarding and Speculation
- Political Causes
- The Second World War and War Policies
- Famine Policies
- Natural Causes
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Great Bengal Famine of 1943-44, examining various contributing factors and analyzing different theories regarding its causes. The paper aims to answer the question: "What caused the Great Bengal Famine?" by considering natural, socio-economic, and political perspectives and comparing and criticizing these viewpoints.
- The historical context and key data of the Bengal famine.
- Analysis of natural causes, including natural hazards and food availability decline (FAD).
- Examination of socio-economic causes, such as vulnerability, food entitlement decline (FED), and hoarding/speculation.
- Investigation of political causes, encompassing wartime policies and famine relief efforts.
- Assessment of the interplay between these factors in contributing to the famine's severity.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the complexity of studying past famines, highlighting the multitude of preconditions, causes, and hazards that converge to create such disasters. It specifically addresses the challenges in researching the Great Bengal Famine, noting the contradictory theories and uncertainties surrounding the events and the official inquiry. The chapter outlines the paper's aim to provide a comprehensive picture of the famine, discussing various theories like FAD and FED, ultimately aiming to comprehensively answer the central question of the famine's cause.
History of the Great Bengal Famine: This chapter details the timeline of the Great Bengal Famine (1943-1944), dividing it into three phases according to Amartya Sen's analysis. It presents data on mortality rates, highlighting the catastrophic loss of life during the peak period. The chapter discusses the uneven impact of the famine, emphasizing its predominantly rural nature and the disproportionate suffering experienced by specific groups such as fishermen, agricultural laborers, and craftsmen. The stark contrast between the experiences of urban centers like Calcutta and rural areas is also explored, highlighting the preferential treatment given to areas supporting the war effort.
Causes and Hazards: This chapter delves into the multifaceted causes of the Great Bengal Famine. It begins by categorizing causes as natural and human-made, acknowledging the frequent overlap and interconnectedness of these categories. The chapter emphasizes the importance of considering pre-existing conditions and pressures within Bengal before the famine. It suggests that the famine resulted from a "perfect storm" of interacting natural, socio-economic, and political factors, all exacerbated by existing conditions. The chapter sets the stage for a detailed exploration of these factors in subsequent sections.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Great Bengal Famine, 1943-44, Food Availability Decline (FAD), Food Entitlement Decline (FED), Natural Hazards, Socio-economic Causes, Political Causes, World War II, Colonial Policies, Poverty, Inequality, Mortality, Amartya Sen, Famine Relief.
Great Bengal Famine: A Comprehensive Overview - FAQ
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive language preview of a paper analyzing the Great Bengal Famine of 1943-44. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The aim is to offer a structured and professional overview of the famine's causes and context for academic use.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers the history, causes, and consequences of the Great Bengal Famine. It explores natural, socio-economic, and political factors that contributed to the famine, including natural hazards, food availability decline (FAD), food entitlement decline (FED), poverty, inequality, World War II policies, and colonial governance. The analysis utilizes different theories and perspectives to understand the complex interplay of factors.
What are the main objectives of the research presented?
The main objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Great Bengal Famine, examining various contributing factors and analyzing different theories regarding its causes. The key question addressed is: "What caused the Great Bengal Famine?" The research considers natural, socio-economic, and political perspectives, comparing and criticizing these viewpoints to reach a comprehensive understanding.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include the historical context and key data of the Bengal famine; analysis of natural causes (natural hazards and FAD); examination of socio-economic causes (vulnerability, FED, hoarding/speculation); investigation of political causes (wartime policies and famine relief efforts); and assessment of the interplay between these factors in contributing to the famine's severity. The role of Amartya Sen's analysis is also relevant.
What is the structure of the main paper (as previewed here)?
The paper is structured into chapters including an introduction, a section detailing the history of the Great Bengal Famine, a chapter dedicated to the causes and hazards, categorized as natural, socio-economic, and political, and finally, a conclusion. Each chapter offers a specific perspective on understanding the events of the famine.
What are the key terms and concepts used in this analysis?
Key terms include: Great Bengal Famine, 1943-44, Food Availability Decline (FAD), Food Entitlement Decline (FED), Natural Hazards, Socio-economic Causes, Political Causes, World War II, Colonial Policies, Poverty, Inequality, Mortality, Amartya Sen, and Famine Relief.
How does the document summarize the different chapters?
The document provides concise summaries of each chapter. The introduction highlights the complexity of studying famines and the challenges in researching the Bengal Famine. The history chapter details the timeline and impact of the famine. The causes and hazards chapter categorizes and explores the multifaceted causes. This structure guides the reader to a comprehensive understanding of the famine's origins.
What is the significance of Amartya Sen's work in this context?
Amartya Sen's analysis, particularly his division of the famine into phases, is referenced in the historical overview. His work likely informs the understanding of the famine's timeline and impact. The reference suggests the research draws upon his influential scholarship on famine.
- Quote paper
- Katrin Simon (Author), 2023, What Caused the Great Bengal Famine 1943-44? A Closer Look at Natural, Socio-economic and Political Causes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1347651