Doji bara Famine (1791-1792)

About

The Doji bara famine, also known as the "Skull Famine," occurred from 1791 to 1792 in the Indian subcontinent. It was triggered by a major El Niño event that lasted from 1789 to 1795, causing prolonged droughts and the failure of the South Asian monsoon for four consecutive years starting in 1789. This climatic disaster led to widespread crop failures and severe food shortages across regions such as Hyderabad, the Southern Maratha Kingdom, Deccan, Gujarat, and Marwar. The famine was particularly devastating, with some studies suggesting that it may have resulted in the deaths of approximately 11 million people due to starvation and accompanying diseases like cholera and smallpox. The Doji bara famine had significant economic and social impacts. It exacerbated existing social and economic vulnerabilities, contributing to migration and depopulation in affected areas. The name "Skull Famine" reflects the dire conditions, with folklore indicating that the bones of victims lay unburied in many places. The British East India Company's governance, particularly in regions like the Madras Presidency, involved some relief measures, such as suspending import duties on grains. However, the overall response was insufficient to mitigate the scale of suffering. The famine also had lasting effects on Indian politics, contributing to the decline of local powers and the expansion of British influence in the region.