Question

Which practice by the colonial administration worsened food availability in India even during periods of scarcity?

Options

• Food grains were stored in government granaries for farmers

• Food grains were exported even during periods of scarcity

• Food grains were distributed free of cost to the poor

• Food grain imports were subsidised during drought years

Answer 1

Food grains were exported even during periods of scarcity, which worsened food availability within India. This export of grains during shortages was a major cause of the severity of pre-independence famines.