The 1905 Partition of Bengal was a significant event in Indian history, executed by the British on October 16, 1905. This decision split Bengal into two provinces: Eastern Bengal and Assam, and the remainder of Bengal. The British presented this move as an administrative necessity to enhance governance.
Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, championed the partition, claiming that Bengal was too large for effective administration. However, underlying motives included a strategy to diminish the influence of the rising Bengali elite, known as the bhadralok, and to create divisions among Hindus and Muslims.
The partition ignited widespread protests, predominantly among Hindu Bengalis. They perceived it as a calculated attempt to fracture the nationalist movement. Interestingly, many Muslims, led by the Nawab of Dhaka, initially supported the partition, as they believed it would enhance their political representation.
The backlash against the partition was instrumental in the establishment of the All India Muslim League in 1906. This organization, backed by Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, later became pivotal in advocating for the creation of Pakistan.
In response to escalating protests and unrest, the British annulled the partition in 1911. To appease Muslim leaders, many of whom had benefited from Eastern Bengal's creation, the British shifted the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi.
The 1905 partition had profound long-term consequences, including:
Q1. What was the primary reason for the 1905 Partition of Bengal?
Answer: The primary reason was to improve administrative efficiency according to Lord Curzon, but it also aimed to diminish the influence of the Bengali elite and create divisions between Hindus and Muslims.
Q2. How did the public react to the partition?
Answer: The partition led to widespread protests primarily from Hindu Bengalis, who viewed it as a tactic to divide the nationalist movement, while some Muslims initially supported it for political representation.
Q3. What was the outcome of the protests against the partition?
Answer: Intense protests ultimately resulted in the annulment of the partition in 1911, which also included the strategic relocation of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi to appease Muslim leaders.
Q4. How did the partition influence the formation of Pakistan?
Answer: The discontent stemming from the partition contributed to the formation of the All India Muslim League in 1906, which played a vital role in advocating for the creation of Pakistan.
Q5. What were the long-term impacts of the partition on India?
Answer: The partition reinforced Hindu-Muslim divisions, fostered separate political identities, and ultimately played a crucial role in the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
Question 1: When was the Partition of Bengal announced?
A) 1901
B) 1905
C) 1911
D) 1915
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who was the Viceroy of India during the 1905 Partition of Bengal?
A) Lord Mountbatten
B) Lord Curzon
C) Lord Wavell
D) Lord Canning
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What was one of the reasons for the British to shift the capital from Calcutta to Delhi?
A) To improve trade
B) To centralize administration
C) To increase military presence
D) To promote tourism
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which organization was formed as a result of the discontent following the partition?
A) Indian National Congress
B) All India Muslim League
C) Hindu Mahasabha
D) Khilafat Movement
Correct Answer: B
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