1769 in India

The year 1769 in India was marked by significant hardship due to the onset of the Great Bengal Famine. This famine, which lasted from 1769 to 1773, had a devastating impact on the region, particularly Bengal and Bihar.

The famine was primarily caused by a severe drought that led to widespread crop failure. While natural factors played a role, the policies of the British East India Company exacerbated the situation. The Company's focus on maximizing revenue through land taxes, combined with restrictions on internal trade, prevented adequate relief efforts and contributed to the widespread starvation.

An estimated ten million people, roughly one-third of the population of Bengal, perished during the famine. The affected areas were depopulated, and agricultural production was severely disrupted. The famine also had long-term social and economic consequences, contributing to increased poverty and social unrest. The event is considered a major historical tragedy and highlights the complex relationship between British colonial rule and Indian society.