Bharat Me Durbhiksha

The book "Bharat me Durbhiksha" (Famines in India) by Ganeshdatta Sharma, published by Gandhi Hindi Pustak Bhandar, is a comprehensive examination of the causes and consequences of famines in India, with a particular focus on the economic and social factors contributing to widespread suffering.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Historical Context: The book begins by contrasting the prosperous and abundant India of ancient times with its present state of poverty and hardship. It attributes India's decline to a loss of self-rule and the subsequent exploitation by foreign powers.
• Agricultural Dependency and its Failures: Sharma highlights India's reliance on agriculture but points out that the sector has fallen into decline. He criticizes the fragmentation of landholdings, the shift from food crops to cash crops (like jute and cotton), and the resulting insufficient food production to feed the growing population.
• Economic Exploitation: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to detailing how India's economy was systematically undermined. This includes:
  • Unfair Trade Practices: Foreign goods were promoted through unfair taxation on Indian products and preferential treatment for imports. India became a supplier of raw materials and an importer of finished goods, leading to a drain of wealth.
  • High Taxation and Rent: The book details how oppressive land revenue systems and high rents levied by zamindars (landlords) and the government crippled farmers, forcing them into debt and poverty.
  • Decline of Indigenous Industries: Traditional Indian crafts and industries, once renowned globally, were systematically destroyed to favor British manufacturing.
  • Labor Exploitation: Indian laborers were often underpaid and overworked, both domestically and in overseas colonies like Mauritius, where they faced severe exploitation and discrimination.
• Social and Cultural Factors: Sharma also touches upon social issues that exacerbate the problem, including:
  • The Role of the Vaishya Community: He criticizes the merchant class (Vaishyas) for prioritizing profit over national welfare, their involvement in speculative trading, and their lack of investment in true industrial development.
  • The Growing Menace of Beggary: The book laments the rise of professional beggars, who, often able-bodied, exploit charitable traditions, contributing to societal idleness and economic stagnation.
  • Harmful Habits and Practices: Sharma condemns the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and other intoxicants, as well as the adoption of foreign fashions and lifestyles, arguing they drain national resources and weaken the populace.
  • The Neglect of Animal Husbandry: The decline in cattle population, the poor management of dairy farms, and the export of cattle and their products are highlighted as significant contributors to the scarcity of essential resources like milk and ghee.
• Governmental Failures and Recommendations: Sharma is highly critical of the British government's policies, which he argues actively contributed to India's impoverishment and susceptibility to famine. He advocates for:
  • Protection of Indigenous Industries and Agriculture: He calls for policies that support Indian businesses and farmers, including fair trade practices and investment in agricultural improvements.
  • Government Intervention for Welfare: Unlike the laissez-faire approach criticized, Sharma argues for proactive government intervention to improve agriculture, develop industries, and provide relief during crises.
  • Education and Skill Development: He stresses the need for practical education, especially in agriculture and vocational trades, to empower Indians and foster self-sufficiency.
  • Promoting Swadeshi: The book strongly promotes the use of Indian-made goods and clothing as a means to revive domestic industries and retain wealth within the country.
  • Addressing Root Causes: Sharma asserts that poverty is the fundamental cause of famines and advocates for comprehensive measures to alleviate it, including land revenue reforms and the establishment of cooperative societies.
• Call for Swaraj: Ultimately, the book implies that true solutions to India's problems, including famine, can only be achieved through political self-rule (Swaraj), as only an Indian government would prioritize the welfare of its people.

Overall Message:

"Bharat me Durbhiksha" is a powerful indictment of the systemic economic exploitation and policy failures that led to widespread famine and suffering in India. Sharma argues that the problems are not merely natural occurrences but are largely man-made, stemming from a lack of self-governance and a colonial system that prioritized foreign interests over Indian welfare. The book serves as a call to awareness and action, urging Indians to understand their economic realities, reject foreign dependency, and strive for national self-reliance and political freedom.