INDIAN FAMINES - Institute for Social and Economic Change

18 TRADITIONAL AND
"In 1396, the dreadful famine, distinguished
from all others by the name of the 'Durga
Dewee,' commenced in Maharashtra. It lasted,
according to the Hindoo legends, for twelve
years. At the end of that time the periodical
rains returned, but whole districts were entirely
depopulated, and a very scanty revenue was
obtained from the territory between the Godavery
and Kistna for upwards ,of thirty years
afterwards." No doubt this was one of the
most severe famines ever experienced-that is,
if these legends cau be trnsted,-which is rather
doubtful, since they affirm that the rains failed
for twelve years running-a fact unprecedented
in Indian history.
The Akbar-namah mentions that during the
first year (1556-57) of the reign of Akbar there
was a great scarcity in Hindustan. "In some
districts, and especially in the provinces of Delhi,
it reached a most alarming height. Though men
could find mon~y, they could not get sight of
com. People were driven to the extremity of
eating each other, and some formed themselves
into parties to carry oft' corpses for their food." •
• Professor Dowson.