That the British once had a huge empire in which the Sun had never set' is a historical fact. The British were well ahead of other imperial European powers in controlling overseas nations and it was due to their sheer ability, administrative dynamics, engineering skill and quest for exploration of new frontiers. Financed by the vast revenue from the Indian subcontinent, they introduced the railways, postal and telegraphic services, shipping, etc., primarily, according to world historians, for their advantage and they became a force to reckon with. However, bogged down by over confidence, pride and Britishness in many countries, including India, they committed many untold crimes against natives, besides racial discrimination in a subtle way. These mistakes tarnished their image abroad.
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| Winston Churchill good hunter of non-British. fulltable.com |
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| Churchill. toonpool.com |
Among the atrocities, the most horrible one was the Bengal famine of 1943 that remains one of the darkest chapters in the history of British colonial rule in India. The devastating famine in undivided Bengal claimed an estimated 3 to 4 million lives, primarily due to starvation, malnutrition, and diseases exacerbated by the colonial government's biased policies during World War II. This tragedy has sparked significant debate among historians, with many laying a considerable portion of the blame on Winston Churchill, who was the British Prime Minister at that time.
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| 1943 British PM Winston Churchill and racist.en.wikipedia.org |
Key Factors Contributing to the Famine:
Diversion of Resources for the War Effort: During World War II, British policies prioritized the war front over the welfare of Indian civilians. Food stocks from India were diverted to support British troops and allies, while local needs were ignored. The fall of Burma (Myanmar) to Japanese forces in 1942 disrupted rice supplies to Bengal, exacerbating food shortages.
Racist Churchill, Bengal famine of 1943. Bharata Bharat
Churchill’s Hostile Attitude: Churchill's documented statements reveal a disdainful attitude toward Indians. His remarks, such as blaming Indians for "breeding like rabbits" and asking, "Why hasn’t Gandhi died yet?" reflect a lack of empathy for the suffering population. Offers of emergency aid, such as Canadian wheat and U.S. assistance, were reportedly blocked by Churchill's administration, prioritizing shipping for war supplies in Europe instead.
Economic Mismanagement: Inflation caused by war-time policies, hoarding by traders, and ineffective local governance worsened the crisis. The colonial administration failed to implement effective price controls or distribute food equitably.
Policy of Exporting Grains: Even during the famine, food grains from India were exported to regions where there was no acute shortage, such as Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and the Balkans.
Lack of Relief Efforts: Despite clear signs of a humanitarian disaster, the British government delayed and limited relief efforts. Historians like Madhusree Mukherjee in her book Churchill's Secret War argue that Churchill's policies directly contributed to the famine's severity.
The Aftermath: The famine highlighted the brutal indifference of colonial rule, with millions dying in agony while resources were prioritized for imperial needs. The tragedy intensified anti-colonial sentiments in India, further fueling the independence movement. Scholars, including Lord Wavell, the then Viceroy of India, criticized the British government's "negligent, hostile, and contemptuous" attitude toward Indian lives.
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| old India map.www.columbia.edu |
Calls for Accountability: The Bengal famine is often cited as a compelling argument for reparations by Britain for its colonial atrocities. While Churchill is celebrated as a hero in Britain for his wartime leadership against Nazi Germany, his role in the famine complicates this legacy, revealing the moral failings of empire. This Churchill-made disaster and the indifferent attitude of the British government have not long been forgotten both in India and abroad.
The Bengal famine of 1943 is a stark reminder of the human cost of evils of imperialism and the devastating consequences of policies driven by prejudice and disregard for human life. Based on:
https://www.navrangindia.in/2015/09/churchill-and-bengal-famine-of-1943.html
Ref:
10 Evil Crimes Of The British EmpireMorris M. February 4, 2014.
www.ibtimes.com/bengal-famine-1943-man-made-holocaust-1100525
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengal_famine_of_1943
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