The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a significant event in the history of British India.
It was carried
out under the administration of Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India. Here's an overview:
Reasons for Partition
Administrative Efficiency: The British argued that the province of Bengal, which included
present-day West Bengal, Bangladesh, Bihar, and Odisha, was too large to administer
effectively. Splitting it would make governance more efficient.
Political Motives: The British sought to weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal,
which was a hub of Indian nationalism. By dividing Bengal along religious lines, they hoped to
create religious divisions and curb nationalist activities.
Division Details
East Bengal: Included present-day Bangladesh and parts of Assam, with a Muslim majority.
West Bengal: Included present-day West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, with a Hindu majority.
Reaction and Impact
Widespread Protest: The partition led to massive protests across Bengal and the rest of
India. It was seen as an attempt to divide and rule by sowing communal discord.
Swadeshi Movement: A significant outcome of the partition was the Swadeshi Movement,
which encouraged the boycott of British goods and the promotion of indigenous products.
Annulment: Due to intense opposition, the partition was annulled in 1911. Bengal was
reunified, but the seeds of communal tension had been sown, which influenced future
events in Indian history.
The partition was a pivotal moment in the Indian freedom struggle, marking the rise of organized
nationalist movements and the emergence of new forms of protest against colonial rule.
