The Partition of Bengal (1905) was a significant event in Indian history. It led to widespread protests. It also contributed to the rise of the Swadeshi Movement. Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, carried it out. This became a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.
1. Background
✔ Bengal Presidency (before 1905) was the largest province in British India, covering Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam.
✔ The British claimed that Bengal was too large to be administered efficiently and proposed partitioning it.
✔ The real motive was to divide Hindus and Muslims and weaken the growing nationalist movement.
2. Reasons for Partition (British Justifications)
✔ Administrative Efficiency: Bengal was too large (with a population of over 78 million) for effective governance.
✔ Development of Eastern Bengal: The British argued that East Bengal was economically backward and needed special attention.
✔ Political Control: The British wanted to weaken Bengali nationalism, which was leading the freedom movement.
3. Implementation of Partition
✔ Announced by Lord Curzon in 1903.
✔ Implemented on October 16, 1905.
✔ Bengal was divided into:
- Western Bengal (Bengal, Bihar, Odisha) → Hindu-majority.
- Eastern Bengal and Assam → Muslim-majority.
✔ The capital remained Calcutta (Kolkata), but later, in 1911, Delhi became the capital.
4. Immediate Effects & Protests
✔ Massive Opposition: Hindus and Muslims opposed the partition.
✔ Swadeshi & Boycott Movements (1905): Indians boycotted British goods and promoted Indian industries.
✔ Vande Mataram Movement: Rabindranath Tagore and other leaders organized protests and tied Rakhi as a symbol of unity.
✔ Formation of Muslim League (1906): The British encouraged communalism. This led to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906 to support their divide-and-rule policy.
5. Annulment of Partition (1911)
✔ Due to continuous protests, the British reversed the partition on December 12, 1911.
✔ The capital of India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
✔ Bengal was reunited, but British succeeded in dividing Hindus and Muslims politically.
6. Impact of Bengal Partition
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Rise of Nationalism | The partition strengthened Indian nationalism. |
| Swadeshi Movement | Indians boycotted British goods and promoted Indian industries. |
| Formation of Muslim League | Created communal divisions in Indian politics. |
| Shift of Capital | In 1911, the British moved India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi. |
7. MCQs on Partition of Bengal
1. When was the Partition of Bengal implemented?
- (a) 1903
- (b) 1905
- (c) 1911
- (d) 1919
- Answer: (b) 1905
2. Who was the Viceroy of India during the Partition of Bengal?
- (a) Lord Minto
- (b) Lord Curzon
- (c) Lord Hardinge
- (d) Lord Ripon
- Answer: (b) Lord Curzon
3. Which movement started as a reaction to the Partition of Bengal?
- (a) Quit India Movement
- (b) Non-Cooperation Movement
- (c) Swadeshi Movement
- (d) Civil Disobedience Movement
- Answer: (c) Swadeshi Movement
4. When was the Partition of Bengal annulled?
- (a) 1905
- (b) 1909
- (c) 1911
- (d) 1921
- Answer: (c) 1911
8. Quick Revision – Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Viceroy | Lord Curzon |
| Date of Partition | October 16, 1905 |
| Main Reason | Divide & Rule Policy |
| Major Protest | Swadeshi & Boycott Movements |
| Annulment | December 12, 1911 |
| New Capital of India | Delhi (1911) |
Conclusion
The Partition of Bengal was one of the most controversial policies of British rule. It failed to divide the nationalist movement, but it sowed the seeds of communalism, eventually leading to the demand for Pakistan in 1947.
Let me know if you need a mind map or more details! 😊