The Bihar famine of 1873–74 (also the Bengal famine of 1873–74) was a famine in India that followed a drought in the province of Bihar and the neighboring provinces of Bengal and the United Provinces. It affected an area of 54,000 square miles and a population of 21.5 million. The relief effort organized by Sir Richard Temple, the newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal was one of the success stories of the famine relief in British India. As the impending famine came to light, a decision was made at the highest level to save lives at any cost. The famine, however, proved to be less severe than had originally been anticipated, and 100,000 tons of grain was left unused at the end of the relief effort.

Sen recalled that she was five or six years old during the famine. She would steal large quantities of rice from the family storeroom and give to people in need. After being encouraged by her father, Sen took out more rice along with pillows and mats. Contrary to the optimistic official account, the famine and the epidemics that followed left an indelible impression of misery on Sen.

Sources:

“Bihar Famine of 1873-1874”. https://enacademic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/9993533

Sen, Haimabati. Because I am a Woman.