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).
Similar Questions
The Viceroy who took keen interest in the restoration and protection of historical monuments was ______.
Under whom was CP Ilbert a law member of the council?
Elphinstone was the Governor of which province of India during 1819-27?
Who introduced the Zamindari Settlement as a measure of land revenue administration?
For the political education of the people at the local level, who brought the resolution on local self-government?
The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was repealed during the tenure of Viceroy _________.
Which Governor General abolished the 'Sati System' in India?
Who was the first Governor General of India?
Who was the first Viceroy of India?
Who was the first Governor General of Bengal?
Important Questions from Viceroy and Governor
Who was the Viceroy of India when India got Independence on 15 august 1947?
Which of the following Viceroys appointed the Hunter Commission in 1882?
The Sati Pratha was abolished under the Governor - Generalship of ________.
In 1872, Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India was assassinated in ___________
Which Governor-General of India made a law to abolish the custom of Sati in 1829?
