171. The Bengal Famine: Chaos in Calcutta

The podcast delves into the Bengal famine of 1943, examining the British government's response and its impact on the Indian independence movement. It highlights Viceroy Linlithgow's ineffectual leadership versus Wavell's proactive measures, such as diverting military resources to famine relief and establishing gruel kitchens. The discussion covers the censorship of the word "famine" in India and Ian Stevens' defiance in publishing revealing photographs. Churchill's derogatory attitude towards Indians and his reluctance to allocate resources are scrutinized, alongside the famine's use as propaganda by the Japanese. The podcast further explores how the famine fueled the independence movement, with independent India prioritizing anti-famine measures to prevent future crises. Kavita Puri shares testimonies from famine survivors, emphasizing the importance of remembering individual stories amidst the statistics.