Which of the following Viceroys of India addressed the Bengal famine of 1943 by ordering the army to distribute relief supplies to the starving rural Bengalis?
Lord Wavell
Bengal Famine of 1943 and the Viceroy's Response
The Bengal Famine of 1943 was one of the deadliest famines in modern Indian history, killing an estimated 2-3 million people. The question asks specifically which Viceroy ordered the army to distribute relief supplies to the starving rural Bengalis.
Correct Answer: Lord Wavell
Lord Wavell became the Viceroy of India in October 1943, succeeding Lord Linlithgow. Within two weeks of taking office, he ordered the British Indian Army to take over the distribution of relief supplies in famine-stricken rural Bengal. He deployed a full army division, military lorries, and the Royal Air Force (RAF) to transport grain and medical aid to remote villages, breaking the transportation bottleneck that had crippled civilian relief efforts.
Why Not Lord Linlithgow
Lord Linlithgow served as Viceroy from 1936 to October 1943. Although the famine began during the final months of his tenure, his administration is widely criticized for failing to declare a famine, prioritising the war effort, and not deploying the army for relief. The decisive military relief operation was launched only after Wavell took charge.
Tenure of Relevant Viceroys
| Viceroy | Tenure | Role in Bengal Famine |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Willingdon | 1931-1936 | Not in office during famine |
| Lord Linlithgow | 1936-Oct 1943 | Famine began; criticised for inaction |
| Lord Wavell | Oct 1943-1947 | Ordered army to distribute relief supplies |
| Lord Mountbatten | 1947-1948 | Oversaw Independence and Partition |
Key Points about Lord Wavell
- Served as Commander-in-Chief of India before becoming Viceroy.
- Took charge in October 1943 amid the peak of the famine.
- Used military logistics (army units, RAF, lorries) to deliver food grains to rural Bengal.
- Also presided over the Simla Conference (1945) and the Cabinet Mission (1946).
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