Bengal Famine of 1943

Bengal Famine of 1943: Reanalyzing Relations Between India and Britain in the 20th Century

In this lesson, students will learn more about the Bengal Famine of 1943, as well as the context leading up to this event and its subsequent ramifications. It is best fit for students in grades 6-8 and includes a variety of activities, discussion prompts, and assignments that can help guide the students in the process of analyzing this historical event. Students will be expected to review primary sources and engage in dialogue that strengthens investigative skills and centers imperial policies, practices, and effects, such as this famine, in the greater context of our modern world.

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the context leading up to the Bengal Famine of 1943 and its causes

2. Understand the role of imperial policies and practices in the greater context of India’s history and world history

3. Strengthen analytical and investigative skills through discussion and interpretation of primary sources

This lesson plan kit includes:

• Teacher Introduction Resource

• Student Notes Outline

• Bengal Famine of 1943 Slide Deck

• Discussion Guide

• Comparison Analysis Activity

• Homework or Extra Credit Activity

Essential Questions:

1. Why is it important to discuss the true causes of the Bengal Famine of 1943?

2. What role did racist beliefs play in the denialism policy of the British government on the Bengal Famine?

3. Why is the Bengal Famine is not often discussed in today’s world

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The standards covered in this lesson are: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.4

Lesson plan created by Anika Shethia in partnership with OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates

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