People are normally dependent on natural resources for food and fuel. With advances in science and urbanization, the dependence began to cede. But what happens in case of a famine? And what happens when one has extinguished the natural resources? What happens when land and forest laws have been changed? Let me introduce to you the Nizam’s state of Hyderabad which was declared as the famine zone in the 19th century. Interestingly, these famines generally increased during the time of colonial rule commonly due to failed monsoon rains. In Shah Nama of 17th century and Alamgir Nama, the famines of the Deccan are mentioned. Moulvi Syed Mahdi Ali, Revenue Secretary under the Asaf Jahi dynasty mentioned that in the last 250 years from then, war and excess rains are catalyzing the famine conditions. War of course, limits the relief supplies and also heavily impacts the state budget. Gulbarga and Raichur saw failed Kharif crops and increasing famine situations. It was so bad that the entire villages had to be evacuated.
The Golconda dynasty collapsed in the year 1687 due to excess wars and endless droughts and finally was taken over by Aurangzeb. Almost a hundred years later, broke the tragic famine which was deadliest of its kind which was called the Doi-Barra or the skull famine which was recorded as the greatest number of lives lost in Telangana districts. The two great famines of Hyderabad in 1876 and 1899 resulted in changes in policies of the British. The grain price was fixed and there was no possible alteration in the price of grain. The peasants were given priority to find work and authorities were set up who would give reports every weak. On food grains, interestingly the British followed the policy of free trade.
In the Memorandum of Salarjung I in 1875, the rate of food grain was allowed to regulate itself to the natural course of trade. The government isn’t allowed to alter the grain prices which would fluctuate on the basis of natural conditions. This memorandum was implemented because of the past experiences in which when the British officials when interfered with the grain price, it would rise rather than lowering during the hour of need. It made food less and less accessible. Also, during the famine, the food grains were imported from many parts of India, majorly Calcutta.
Sadly, the state of Hyderabad was not well connected by rail and road until the 19th century. This made logistical blockages in the time of famine. In the 20th century however, new means of transportation were set up and so were the rail lines. Many a times if the state of Hyderabad is stuck by famine, the neighboring states would also be facing the same wrath. But in case of Hyderabad it gets specifically worse because of the absence of natural water resources that could provide water for irrigation. Until the forests were untouched by the British, the tribal people and forest communities could find their solace and resource in forests during the time of drought. They would also hunt in dry months. Later the British put forests under their control and a designated officer was assigned to keep the task of using the forests for government resources. Also the tribal were exposed to scientific advancements and work opportunities. Their association with the forest began to deteriorate.
The situation in Hyderabad hasn’t changed much since then. The droughts have still been paying the homage on and off, nearly every year and the ones who farm are the ones who suffer. Hopefully the situation is adequately treated in the coming future.
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