INDIAN FAMINES - Institute for Social and Economic Change

IN D I A. N F A MIN E S.
CHAPTER 1.
TRADITIONAL AND HISTORICAL FAMINES.
As a general rule, it is not desirable to introduce
a subject by commencing with its history,
because in most cases it is unnecessary. But
in giving a historical sketch of past famines in
India, my intention is twofold,-(l.) to afford a
means of comparison between such measures of
relief as were adopted in former days, and those
now in existence for the purpose of mitigating
the effects of the present famine in Bengal;
and (2.) to give the public an idea of the frequency
of the recurrence of these disasters,
and of the many difficulties surrounding their
management.
A