Simple Answer

During British rule, India faced many serious famines. Two examples were:

• Great Famine: A major famine during the late 19th century.
• Bengal Famine (1943): A severe famine in which millions of people died due to starvation.

Main Reasons for Famines

1. High Land Taxes

• British rulers collected high taxes from farmers.
• Farmers had very little money left to buy food or save for difficult times.

2. Growing Cash Crops

• Farmers were forced to grow crops like cotton and indigo instead of food grains.
• This reduced the amount of food available.

3. Exporting Food Grains

• Food grains continued to be exported to other countries.
• This happened even when people in India were facing hunger.

4. Lack of Government Help

• There was not enough help during droughts.
• Proper food distribution and relief systems were lacking.

Remember for Exams

Famines during British rule occurred due to high land taxes, cash crop cultivation, food grain exports and a lack of proper government relief.