Famines, Epidemics and Mortality in Northern India, 1870-1921 1

This chapter examines the causes of high mortality in Northern India during the period from 1870 to 1921, and discusses the relative importance of famines and epidemics and the close relationship between them. ² It suggests ways in which famines contributed to the prevalence of epidemic malaria, and argues for its vital importance in the high mortality rate and population change.