Intelligence Squared Kavita Puri and Sathnam Sanghera on War, Empire and the Untold Story of the Bengal Famine (Part One)
Mar 21, 2025
Kavita Puri, an award-winning journalist and broadcaster focused on Indian history, teams up with Sathnam Sanghera, acclaimed author of "Empireland," to delve into the heartbreaking story of the Bengal Famine. They unpack this overlooked tragedy of World War II, which led to the deaths of millions and remains largely absent from British historical narratives. Puri highlights her extensive archival research uncovering personal stories and the colonial legacy behind the famine, while Sanghera provides critical insights on the complex socio-political issues that still resonate today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Uncovering the Famine
- Kavita Puri was interviewing a British woman about the Partition of India when she learned about the Bengal famine.
- The woman mentioned seeing vultures eating bodies on the streets of Kolkata, prompting Puri's research.
Forgotten History
- The Bengal famine, resulting in three million deaths, remains largely unknown despite its significance.
- This lack of awareness is surprising given the scale of the tragedy and its occurrence during World War II.
Fear and the Famine
- Kavita Puri felt apprehensive about dedicating years to researching the Bengal famine.
- The topic is sensitive due to its connection to Winston Churchill and its challenge to Britain's war narrative.
