Devastating Great Bengal Famine in 1770

The Great Bengal famine had a catastrophic impact on the region, leading to the estimated deaths of around 10 million people. The famine was a result of both a failed monsoon and the exploitative policies of the East India Company, which exacerbated the already dire situation. Warren Hastings' report in 1772 revealed the extent of the tragedy, stating that a third of the population in the affected area had perished due to starvation. The combination of natural disaster and colonial policies created a perfect storm, leaving millions to suffer and die from lack of food and resources. The East India Company's focus on profit and extraction of resources from the region, without regard for the well-being of the local population, worsened the effects of the famine. The failure of the monsoon further devastated the agrarian economy, leading to widespread crop failures and food shortages. The consequences of the famine were far-reaching, with communities decimated, families torn apart, and long-lasting impacts on the social and economic fabric of the region. The scale of the tragedy highlighted the vulnerability of the population to both natural disasters and exploitative colonial practices. In the aftermath of the Great Bengal famine, efforts were made to provide relief and aid to the affected population, but the loss of life and suffering endured by millions during that time left a lasting scar on the history of the region. #BengalFamine #EastIndiaCompany #ColonialExploitation #NaturalDisaster #HumanTragedy