"The recurring famines of the nineteenth century were the inevitable consequence of the deindustrialization process of the Indian economy under British rule." Critically evaluate.

The Indian economy underwent deindustrialisation process under British rule to be converted to supplies of raw material & market for finished goods

De-industrialisation process

Heavy tariffs on Indian produce entering countries

Reduced tariffs on imported British Goods

Sourcing of raw materials across India through Rail & Road.

Indian industries became unviable and had to shut down

Reverse migration of people towards rural area & agriculture.

De-inds trails aion led to famines - Due to the demand for sao materials there was in creased commercialisati- on of agriculture. - Each crops like opium, spices, indigo replaced the food grains production as famines were forced to produce them. - This created acute shortage in to od grains across India leading to famines, also due to nonaffordability. - Commercialisation also meant profit mentality leading to hoarding of crops creating artificial shortage further aggravated famines. eg. Odisha famine of 1867. - The de- industrialisation also meant only finished goods were imported to India, thus food grain shortage was not managed by inputs as well.

However, many other reasons also aggravated famine conditions in 19th century:

1. Climatic conditions of drought

2. Lack of investment in agriculture leading to stagnant production

3. Trans port system was not used to supply smoothly food grains across India.

4. Economic conditions of people was poor leading to instrument maladjustability.

5. British or trawage in India during famine led to mis management.

British appointed many committees in 19th century eg. Lyall, McDonnell, etc. to ensure that such conditions can be controlled as it affected their gains as well.