Gandhi’s Fast (1943)
- In response to the government’s call to denounce violence, Gandhi began a fast in February 1943.
- People’s Reaction
- Protests were held both at home and abroad in the form of hartals, demonstrations, and strikes.
- The viceroy’s executive council was resigned by three members.
- Achievements
- It increased popular morale and heightened anti-British sentiment.
- A chance for political engagement was offered, and the government’s arrogance was revealed.
- Gandhi triumphed over his opponents by refusing to succumb to death.
Bengal Famine (1943)
- The Bengal famine, which began in 1943 took the lives of around 1.5 to 3 million people.
- Causes
- Diversion of food stocks to feed the vast armies on the battlefields
- Halting of rice imports from Burma and Southeast Asia
- Mismanagement of food stocks.
- As an attempt to solve the crisis, a rationing system was introduced, but it was confined to larger cities.