Disasters as a Risk to Urban Health: A Case Study of Calcutta during Bengal Famine (1943-44)
Dr. Avirup Sinha
Assistant Professor, Department of History, Deshapran Mahavidyalaya
avirup.deshapran24@gmail.com
Submitted on: 11.12.2025
Accepted on: 25.12.2025
Abstract: In this paper, the primary objective is to establish a relationship between disasters (man-made and natural) and urban health in the context of Calcutta in 1944-45, a period when the devastating impact of War and Famine wreaked havoc on Bengal in general and Calcutta in particular. In this paper, first of all, an attempt will be made to understand the cause of famine - is the said famine man-made or natural. Then the focus will be on the health impact of Famine. As a consequence of the Bengal Famine of 1943-44 Famine destitutes gathered in Calcutta, and this affected the health infrastructure and broader urban health scenario of the metropolis. Finally, the study will examine Government policies and their reaction. This paper will contribute to the global debate on determinants of health issues.
Key Words: Famine, Destitute, Calcutta, Disease, Urban Health, Disaster