Did you know that in 1877 the British colonial government had passed an “Anti-Charitable Contributions Act”? I did not. Bala posts about this absurd piece of history that led to ten million deaths.

He has also unearthed large portions of the original text of the act. My favourite part, from Chapter IV which deals with examples of offences under the act:

OF WHAT CONSTITUTES AN OFFENCE UNDER THE ACT

A, a lady living in …(unclear) Madras, was discovered feeding a number of little children every morning with milk and brown bread. A is punishable with a fine of 500 Rs. on the first occasion and imprisonment at the discretion of the magistrate, on all subsequent occasions, when the heinous charge is proved

B. another lady living in Rayda, Madras has established a number A, third lady [it is anticipated that the ladies will be the grossest offenders], visits a relief camp, and gives 2-anna pieces to the poorest and most emaciated of children. She also clothes some. On her first visit she finds she has not a sufficient number of 2-anna pieces and sends several rupees worth by a friend D. This is a very gross transgression. A should be transported to the Andamans - not so much for the original offense, but for inducing D to break the law. D should be imprisoned for six months and recieve fifty lashes.

He’s right, this really does read like something out of The Onion.