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The Partition of Bengal, a major political and administrative event in colonial India, has been a significant milestone in Indian history, deeply tied to the freedom struggle. It was a controversial decision by the British government that left an indelible mark on the nation’s socio-political landscape.
What is the Partition of Bengal?
The Partition of Bengal refers to the division of the Bengal Presidency, then the largest administrative unit in British India, into two separate provinces in 1905. The move aimed to reorganize the territory for administrative efficiency but ended up fueling discontent and sparking the Swadeshi Movement.
When Was the Partition of Bengal?
The Partition of Bengal was officially announced on July 19, 1905, by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. It came into effect on October 16, 1905.
Background and Cause of the Partition of Bengal in 1905
The Bengal Presidency, at the time, was a vast administrative unit covering Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and parts of Assam, with a population of over 80 million. British authorities claimed that governing such a large territory had become unwieldy. To address this, Lord Curzon proposed the division of Bengal into two parts:
- Eastern Bengal and Assam - A Muslim-majority province, comprising Assam, Chittagong, Dhaka, and Rajshahi divisions.
- Western Bengal - A Hindu-majority region, including Bihar and Orissa.
The official rationale for the Partition of Bengal 1905 was administrative convenience. However, the real intent was to weaken the burgeoning nationalist movement by dividing Hindus and Muslims and disrupting their unity.
Key Features of the Partition of Bengal
- Two Separate Provinces: Bengal was divided into Eastern Bengal and Assam (capital: Dhaka) and Western Bengal (capital: Calcutta).
- Religious and Political Divide: The division created provinces based on religion, fostering communal division.
- Economic Implications: Eastern Bengal and Assam had fertile lands and rich natural resources, whereas Western Bengal was more industrialized.
Who Announced the Partition of Bengal?
The Partition of Bengal was announced by Lord Curzon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905.
Which Movement Started After the Partition of Bengal?
The Swadeshi Movement emerged as a response to the partition. The movement encouraged Indians to boycott British goods, adopt indigenous products, and promote self-reliance. The division of Bengal was seen as a deliberate attempt to weaken nationalist sentiments, leading to widespread protests, meetings, and strikes.
Key leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Surendranath Banerjee, and Rabindranath Tagore played pivotal roles in mobilizing people against the partition.
Timeline of the Partition of Bengal
- July 19, 1905: Announcement of the partition by Lord Curzon.
- October 16, 1905: Partition of Bengal came into effect.
- 1906: Foundation of the Muslim League, partly as a result of the partition.
- 1911: The partition was reversed due to persistent protests and political unrest.
Who Scrapped the Partition of Bengal?
The Partition of Bengal was annulled in 1911 by Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy of India. The reversal was announced during the Delhi Durbar to commemorate the coronation of King George V. The capital of British India was also shifted from Calcutta to Delhi to appease the nationalist sentiments in Bengal.
Criticism of the Partition of Bengal
- Communal Division: The partition fostered communalism by segregating people based on religion.
- Nationalist Backlash: It united Indians against the British and intensified the freedom struggle.
- Failure of Administrative Justification: The rationale for administrative efficiency was widely criticized as a cover for political motives.
Conclusion
The Partition of Bengal 1905 remains a defining episode in Indian history. Though it was short-lived, it highlighted the growing resistance against British policies and the demand for self-rule. It also exposed the imperial strategy of dividing Indians along communal lines, a policy that had far-reaching consequences in the years to come.
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