1. What were the reasons for the Bengal Famine of 1942-43?
1. The Bengal Famine of 1942-43 resulted from a combination of factors, including the Japanese occupation of Burma, which disrupted food supplies.
2. There was damage to rice crops due to a fungal disease caused by the fungus Helminthosporium oryzae; and panic purchase and hoarding of rice by the rich.
3. These factors, along with other governance failures and disruptions caused by World War II, led to the tragic famine in undivided Bengal.
Choose the correct option:
- Only 1 & 2
- Only 2 & 3
- 1, 2 & 3
- Only 1 & 3
Show Answer
Answer: 1, 2 & 3
The Bengal Famine of 1942-43 was a tragic episode in Indian history that resulted from multiple interconnected factors. It was not solely caused by one factor but rather a combination of circumstances. The Japanese occupation of Burma during World War II disrupted food supplies, as Burma was a significant source of rice for India. Concurrently, a fungal disease affecting rice crops, caused by Helminthosporium oryzae, damaged agricultural production, further reducing the available food. Additionally, panic purchases and hoarding of rice by the wealthy elites exacerbated the scarcity of food. These factors, coupled with wartime disruptions and governance failures, led to the devastating Bengal Famine.
2. Maximum number of famines attacked India during which period?
- 1750-1800
- 1800-1850
- 1850-1900
- 1900-1950
Show Answer
Answer: 1800-1850
India witnessed several severe famines in the 19th century, particularly during the period from 1800 to 1850. These famines affected various regions of the country and were characterized by acute food shortages and widespread suffering.
3. Who was the chairman of the first famine commission?
- John Lyall
- Richard Strachey
- Antony Macdonell
- K.C. Neogy
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Answer: Richard Strachey
The appointment of famine commissions marked a significant step in addressing the recurring problem of famines in India. The first famine commission, established in 1878, was chaired by Sir Richard Strachey. This commission submitted its report in 1880, outlining recommendations for dealing with famines.
4. Which among the following matches of Famine commission with their name of the chairman is/are correct?
1. First Famine Commission (1878) – Richard Strachey
2. Second Famine Commission (1898) – James Lyall
3. Third Famine Commission (1901) – Macaulay
- 1 only
- 1 & 2
- 2 & 3
- 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Answer: 1, 2 & 3
The correct matches of famine commissions with their respective chairmen are as follows:
First Famine Commission (1878) – Richard Strachey
Second Famine Commission (1898) – James Lyall
Third Famine Commission (1901) – Antony Macdonell
5. Which commission was appointed after the Bengal Famine of 1943?
- Strachey Commission
- Lyall Commission
- Macdonnell Commission
- Woodhead Commission
Show Answer
Answer: Woodhead Commission
The Famine Inquiry Commission, also known as the Woodhead Commission, was appointed by the Government of British India in 1944 to investigate the 1943 Bengal famine. Controversially, it declined to blame the British government and emphasised the natural, rather than man-made, causes of the famine.
6. Which of the following was the first famine of India under company rule?
- Famine of 1770
- Famine of 1866
- Famine of 1900
- Famine of 1943
Show Answer
Answer: Famine of 1770
The Famine of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in 1770 was the first recorded famine under British East India Company rule. The British East India Company’s response to this famine was criticized for not taking sufficient action to mitigate its impact.
7. The report provided by whom is considered the first detailed report on famine relief policy?
- Macdonnell
- Campbell
- Strachey
- Neogy
Show Answer
Answer: Strachey
Following the famine of 1866-67, the government of India established a famine commission under Sir Richard Strachey. This commission’s report is considered the first comprehensive assessment of famine relief policy.
8. Which famine is considered a “Man-made famine”?
- Famine of North India in 1876
- Bengal Famine of 1943
- Madras Famine of 1866
- None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: Bengal Famine of 1943
The Bengal Famine of 1943 is often categorized as a “man-made famine” because it was significantly exacerbated by human factors, including mismanagement, hoarding of food, and unequal distribution. These factors exacerbated the impact of the natural causes of the famine.
9. The Famine of 1770 affected which of the following places?
1. Bengal
2. Bihar
3. Jharkhand
4. Madras
Choose the right code
- 1 & 2
- 1 & 3
- 1, 2 & 3
- 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Answer: 1, 2, 3 & 4
The Famine of 1770 primarily affected the Bengal and Bihar regions but also had some impact on parts of Odisha and Jharkhand. Additionally, there were reports of distress in certain areas of Madras Presidency, though it was not as severely affected as Bengal and Bihar.
10. Who was the Viceroy of India when the Bengal Famine of 1943 took place?
- Lord Irwin
- Lord Linlithgow
- Lord Wavell
- Lord Wellesley
Show Answer
Answer: Lord Linlithgow
Lord Linlithgow was the Viceroy of India when the Bengal Famine of 1943 occurred, making him the highest British authority in India at the time.
Q11: When was the First Famine Commission set up in India?
1. 1878
2. 1888
3. 1778
4. 1868
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: The establishment of famine commissions, starting with the First Famine Commission in 1878, reflected the British government’s growing recognition of the need for state intervention in food trade during famines.
Q12: Under whose chairmanship The Third Famine Commission was set up?
1. Sir James Lyall
2. Sir Anthony McDonnell
3. Sir Richard Strachey
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The Third Famine Commission, set up in 1900 under the chairmanship of Sir Anthony Macdonell, aimed to re-evaluate and recommend changes based on the findings of previous commissions and the lessons learned from recent famines.
Q13: When did the Great Bengal Famine happen?
1. 1750-55
2. 1769-70
3. 1837-38
4. 1783-84
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The Great Bengal Famine of 1770 was a devastating famine that affected a significant portion of the population, resulting in the loss of approximately one-third of Bengal’s inhabitants.
Q14: When did the Chalisa famine happen?
1. 1837-38
2. 1783-84
3. 1769-70
4. 1750-55
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The Chalisa famine of 1783-84 was triggered by unusual El Niño events that began in 1780, leading to prolonged droughts and causing the deaths of more than 11 million people in the Indian subcontinent.
Q15: When did the Doji bara famine (Skull famine) happen?
1. 1783-84
2. 1791-92
3. 1837-38
4. 1860-61
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The Doji bara famine, also known as the Skull famine, occurred during 1791-92 and was primarily caused by major El Niño events, resulting in prolonged droughts and significant loss of life.
Q16: When did the Agra famine happen?
1. 1860-61
2. 1837-38
3. 1791-92
4. 1783-84
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The Agra famine of 1837-38 struck the newly established North-Western Provinces of British India. It affected a vast area and a substantial population, resulting in significant suffering.
Q17: The Rajputana famine of 1869 affected which of the following areas?
1. The Rajputana famine of 1869 is also known as the Great Rajputana Famine.
2. It affected an area covering 296,000 square miles and a population of 44.5 million.
3. It primarily impacted Ajmer, Western Agra, and Eastern Punjab.
Choose the right code
1. Only 1 & 2
2. Only 3
3. Only 1 & 3
4. 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: The Rajputana famine of 1869, often referred to as the Great Rajputana Famine, had a widespread impact, affecting regions covering nearly 296,000 square miles and a population of approximately 44.5 million people. It primarily affected Ajmer, Western Agra, and Eastern Punjab.
Q18: When did the Bihar famine happen?
1. 1873-74
2. 1783-84
3. 1837-38
4. 1750-55
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: The Bihar famine of 1873-74 followed a drought in the province of Bihar, impacting neighboring regions as well. It led to the loss of lives of approximately 21.5 million people.
Q19: Which of the following famines is considered a Man-made famine?
1. Famine of North India in 1876
2. Bengal Famine of 1943
3. Madras Famine of 1866
4. None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: The Bengal Famine of 1943 is considered a Man-made famine due to human factors such as mismanagement, hoarding, and unequal distribution of food, which exacerbated the effects of the natural calamity.
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