Great Famine of 1876-1878
· Chennai
Brought on by drought, a severe famine hit the Madras Presidency and other regions of India, killing millions.
When the monsoon failed in 1876, famine spread through the Madras and Bombay presidencies, Mysore and Hyderabad and lasted roughly two years. It is referred to both as the Madras famine of 1877 and as the Southern India famine of 1876-1878. Excess mortality across India is variously estimated at between 5.6 and 9.6 million. Official policy drew heavy criticism, notably the continued export of grain and the cut-down 'Temple wage' paid in relief camps from January 1877. In its aftermath came the Famine Commission and, later, the famine codes.
