The main cause of the Great Bengal Famine in 1943 was a combination of wartime policies, poor governance, and environmental factors. During World War II, British wartime policies prioritized grain production for the war effort, leading to significant food shortages. Subsequent poor harvests compounded these issues, particularly due to the impact of cyclones and disease on agriculture. The British colonial government’s failure to provide adequate relief efforts exacerbated the crisis, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 2-3 million people. The famine highlighted the vulnerability of colonial subjects and spurred criticism of British policies in India.