How did colonial policies contribute to famine in India?

Colonial policies contributed to famine in India by prioritising export crops over subsistence farming and implementing high taxation.

The British colonial rule in India, which lasted from 1858 to 1947, had a profound impact on the country's agricultural sector, which in turn contributed to several devastating famines. One of the key policies that led to this was the emphasis on cash crops for export, rather than food crops for local consumption. The British encouraged the cultivation of indigo, cotton, opium, and tea, which were profitable in the international market but did not contribute to the food security of the local population. This shift in agricultural focus led to a decrease in the production of staple food crops, making the population more vulnerable to food shortages and famines.

Another significant policy was the introduction of the Zamindari system, a form of land tenure where the Zamindars (landlords) were given the rights to collect taxes from the peasants. The British used this system to ensure a steady flow of revenue, often imposing high taxes that the peasants could not afford. This led to widespread poverty and indebtedness among the peasant population, further exacerbating their vulnerability to famines.

The British also implemented a policy of laissez-faire economics, which meant that the government did not intervene in the market to control food prices or ensure food availability. During times of crop failure, this led to skyrocketing food prices, making it impossible for the poor to afford food. The British government often refused to intervene, citing the principles of free trade and market economy, even when millions were dying of starvation.

Furthermore, the colonial government's investment in infrastructure was primarily aimed at serving its own economic interests, rather than improving the living conditions of the Indian population. The construction of railways, for instance, was intended to facilitate the transport of goods for trade, rather than to distribute food during famines. As a result, even when food was available in some parts of the country, it could not be transported to famine-stricken areas in time to prevent mass starvation.

In conclusion, the colonial policies of the British in India, which prioritised economic exploitation over the welfare of the local population, played a significant role in causing and exacerbating famines.