The Great Famine of 1876-78 (also the Southern India famine of 1876-78 or the Madras famine of 1877) was a famine in India that began in 1876 and affected south and southwestern India (Madras; Mysore; Hyderabad; and Bombay) for a period of two years. In its second year famine also spread north to some regions of the Central Provinces and the North-Western Provinces; and to a small area in the Punjab.

The famine ultimately covered an area of 670;000 square kilometres (257;000 sq mi) and caused distress to a population totaling 58;500;000. The death toll from this famine is estimated to have been in the range of 5.5 million people. Pictures From History