Bengal Famine (1943)

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The Bengal Famine of 1943 was a devastating event that occurred during World War II, affecting the Bengal province of British India. It resulted in an estimated 800,000 to 3.8 million deaths, primarily due to starvation and related diseases such as malaria and cholera. The famine was exacerbated by British wartime policies, including the stockpiling of food for troops and the confiscation of boats and other means of transportation, which severely disrupted local commerce and food distribution[1][2][3]. Key factors contributing to the famine included economic disruptions, such as price inflation and hoarding, which made food unaffordable for many. The provincial government's ineffective response and the lack of a formal declaration of famine further worsened the situation. Relief efforts were delayed, with significant aid arriving only after public pressure mounted in late 1943[2][3][5]. The famine had lasting impacts on Bengal's economy and social fabric, leaving millions impoverished and displaced[3][5].