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Partition of Bengal 1905: Despite strong opposition from Indian political leaders, the partition of Bengal took place in 1905. It was one of the critical moments in the history of Indian politics.
The motive behind the partition was to enhance the governance of India. The Viceroy of British India, Lord Curzon, proposed this whole idea.
As of 1765, some parts of India, such as Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, have become unified regions. This region was unmanageable later in 1900 as its size grew.
Due to the geographical isolation, East Bengal was separated into two parts: West Bengal and Bihar. It led to the Partition of Bengal moment in 1905. The event served as a catalyst propelling the Indian National Congress.
Historical Background of Partition of Bengal 1905
Bengal includes parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Bangladesh, and Assam. These areas were under British rule in 1765. It became difficult to handle this as the population increased from almost 80 million by the early 20th century.
The eastern parts of Bengal should have looked at proper education facilities, industrial development and employment. Beings at the nearest development centred around Calcutta.
Partitioning the regions existed for many years as Assam separated in 1874. Lord Curzon proposed this idea when he arrived in India. This idea was initially and purely for the growth in administrative measures. Later, it became a political tool to undermine the growing nationalism.
The partition caused division between the two regions. One is Bengal, which includes West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar. Others were Eastern Bengal and Assam. Eastern Bengal could be Hill Tripura, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Dhaka, with Dhaka as the capital.
In this partition, Bengal would have a majority of Hindu population. On the other hand, Eastern Bengal and Assam would have a majority Muslim population.
Causes of Partition of Bengal
On 16th October 1905, the British administrator came to India and implemented the Partition of Bengal.
Administration consideration was the main motive behind the partition. Bengal was a vast region divided to generate a more streamlined governance structure in the Eastern region of Bengal.
- There were significant political issues and opposition throughout the division of Bengal.
- As per the Bengal population, it was disrespectful to their country and called for reunification.
- The political organisation Indian National Congress at the time of partition condemned the partition along racial lines.
- In the western part, most Bengalis opposed the concept of partition as it would lead to a linguistic minority within their region.
- Most Bengali Muslims supported this partition, believing it would lead to many educational and economic developments and become paramount in the new province.
- Lord Curzon made many promises. One of them was establishing a university in Dhaka, which was seen as the establishment of education for Muslims.
- Another motive behind the partition was implementing the “divide and rule” policy, which would weaken the patriotic feeling of the people.
- The opposition planned to form some nationalist organisations, such as the Swadeshi movement and Boycott Movements. The motive of this movement was boycotting British goods and increasing the promotion of Indian industries.
- In 1906, the partition of Bengal resulted in the formation of the Muslim League.
Role of Lord Curzon in the Partition of Bengal in 1905
From 1899 to 1905, Lord Curzon served as the viceroy of India, marking an unforgettable journey. In 1905, most of the protests took place after he announced the partition of Bengal.
As per the knowledge of Lord Curzon, he demonstrated an unparalleled understanding of India. In his literary contribution, he wrote three books.
There were other events which took place during his rule. Events such as the implementation of the Calcutta Corporation Act happened in 1899. Later, the University Commission and Police Commission were established in 1902. In 1904, an act was passed named the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, and the end was the initiation of Younghusband’s mission to Tibet in 1905.
Response to Partition of Bengal
As there was an announcement of partition, many political leaders got triggered, and many events took place within this.
During this time, Rabindranath Tagore wrote a song named’ Amar Sonar Bangla’, which later became the National Anthem of Bangladesh. Tagore also requested Hindus and Muslims to tie Rakhi as a protest gesture against the partition.
Many Muslims were also against the partition. Partition of Bengal also played a prominent role in the sparkling Swadeshi movement and British boycott movement to promote the Indian industries and their products. It also led to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906.
Annulment and Reunification of Partition of Bengal 1905
In 1911, the partition of Bengal was abolished due to protests. After the abolishment, new regions were created, and they were now based on linguistic categories rather than religious divisions.
Bihar and Orissa, the primary two regions, were carved and became separate provinces in 1936. Assam was also established as a separate province. In 1911, the capital of British India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
Partition of Bengal had a significant impact on the Hindus and Muslims in Bengal. The divide policies and communal tensions stayed between the communities even after the abolishment of partition.
Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi movement
Hindus from Bengal started campaigning for participation in the administration. On the other hand, Muslims were in support of partition as they wanted Muslim rule.
Separate elections were held for Muslims and Hindus in 1919, which divided the communities. The demand for two independent states, one for Hindus and one for Muslims, gained momentum across the whole country.
The partition of Bengal continued only for five years till it was abolished in 1911.
Partition of Bengal on FAQs
Who caused the Partition of Bengal in 1905?
Despite having strong opposition from Indian political leaders, the partition of Bengal took place in 1905. It was one of the critical moments in the history of Indian politics. The motive behind the partition was to enhance the governance of India. The Viceroy of British India, Lord Curzon, proposed this whole idea. As of 1765, some parts of India, such as Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, have become unified regions. This region was unmanageable later in 1900 as its size grew.
What were the effects of the Partition of Bengal?
During the partition of Bengal, the opposition was planning to form some nationalist organizations, such as the Swadeshi movement and Boycott Movements. The motive of this movement was boycotting British goods and increasing the promotion of Indian industries.
In which year the Partition of Bengal got abolished?
Partition of Bengal was abolished in 1911.
