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Bikaner Famine of 1899-1900(1899 – 1900)

The worst famine in Bikaner's recorded history struck in 1899-1900, killing and emptying the state. It convinced the young Ganga Singh that only permanent irrigation would end the cycle.

Bikaner Famine of 1899-1900

What you need to know

  • The worst famine recorded in Bikaner's history
  • Part of a sequence with the failures of 1891-92 and 1896-97
  • Mortality came chiefly from cholera and malaria rather than starvation alone
  • Large-scale emigration to neighbouring districts of Punjab and Sindh
  • The state's population fell across the decade to 1901
  • Convinced Ganga Singh that only permanent irrigation could end the cycle
  • The direct origin of the Gang Canal project

    • Participants

    • Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner

      Ruling Maharaja

      Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner

      18 yrs at this event

      Ruling Maharaja

      18 yrs at event

      Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner

      Maharaja of Bikaner (1887–1943). Only non-white member of Lloyd George’s Imperial War Cabinet (1917); signed the Treaty of Versailles for India; delegate to the League of Nations. First Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes (1921–1926). Bikaner’s hereditary gun salute was elevated from 17 to 19 in 1921 for his WWI service.

    Theatres

    • B

      Bikaner

      Bikaner

      Walled desert city founded in 1488 by Rao Bika; capital of Bikaner State until 1947.

    Powers

    • B(

      Bikaner (Rathor Kingdom)

      Bikaner (Rathor Kingdom)

      Rathor Rajput kingdom of the Thar desert. Watan-jagir vassal of the Mughals from 1570 under Rai Singh.

    • Key Points
    • Participants
    • Theatres
    • Powers
    Facts at a glance
    Start
    1899
    End
    1900
    Tags
    Bikaner, famine, 1899, Ganga Singh, drought, Gang Canal

    Significance · REGIONAL

    Report an error
    Start
    1899
    End
    1900
    Tags
    Bikaner, famine, 1899, Ganga Singh, drought, Gang Canal

    Significance · REGIONAL

    Report an error
    Last updated todayEdited by Admin User