The Partition of Bengal in 1905, orchestrated by Lord Curzon, remains a significant event in India’s history. It not only reshaped the geography of Bengal but also ignited widespread political and cultural movements that laid the groundwork for India’s struggle for independence.
Background and Reasons for the Partition
The Vast Province of Bengal
Since 1765, after the Battle of Buxar, Bengal became a vast province under British control. It included regions that now comprise West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Bangladesh, and Assam.
- By the early 20th century, the population of Bengal had swelled to 80 million.
- Calcutta was both the capital of the province and British India, making it the center of governance and industry.
Challenges in Administration
The size and population of Bengal made administration increasingly difficult:
- Eastern Bengal, predominantly rural, lagged behind in education, industry, and employment.
- Most industries were concentrated in Calcutta, leaving eastern regions neglected.
Initial Administrative Measures
Before Lord Curzon’s tenure, discussions about partitioning Bengal had been proposed:
- In 1874, Assam was separated from Bengal and placed under a Chief Commissioner.
- Curzon’s initial proposal for partition was presented as an administrative reform to ensure efficient governance.
Political Intentions Behind the Partition
While initially framed as an administrative measure, the partition soon became a political tool to curb the rise of nationalism in Bengal.
Details of the Partition Plan
Lord Curzon’s partition plan proposed dividing Bengal into two provinces:
- Bengal (modern West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar):
- Majority Hindu population.
- Capital: Calcutta.
- Eastern Bengal and Assam (including Hill Tripura, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Dhaka):
- Majority Muslim population.
- Capital: Dhaka.
Additionally:
- Bengal would lose five Hindi-speaking states to the Central Provinces and gain Odia-speaking states from the same.
- The division was also intended to weaken Bengali influence, both politically and culturally.
Reaction to the Partition of Bengal
Widespread Unrest
The announcement of the partition led to a massive outcry:
- Many in Bengal viewed it as an insult to their motherland.
- Protests erupted, demanding the unity of Bengal.
Cultural and Nationalist Response
- Rabindranath Tagore composed the iconic song “Amar Sonar Bangla”, which later became the national anthem of Bangladesh.
- On the day of the partition, people observed a day of mourning, with Hindus and Muslims tying rakhis to symbolize unity.
Communal Divide
- Many Bengali Muslims supported the partition, viewing it as an opportunity to advance their educational, economic, and political interests.
- Curzon’s promise of a university in Dhaka was seen as a positive development for the Muslim community.
- However, a section of Muslims also opposed the partition, recognizing the divisive British intentions.
Swadeshi and Boycott Movements
The Swadeshi Movement and the Boycott Movement emerged as direct responses to the partition:
- Indians began boycotting British goods and promoting indigenous industries.
- These movements further strengthened the nationalist struggle across the country.
Formation of the Muslim League
The partition sowed seeds of communal rift between Hindus and Muslims, eventually leading to the formation of the All-India Muslim League in 1906.
Annulment of the Partition
Due to sustained protests and political unrest, the British annulled the partition in 1911.
Key Developments Post-Annulment
- Bengal was reorganized based on linguistic lines rather than religious divisions.
- Bihar and Odisha became a separate province (later split into two provinces in 1936).
- Assam was established as a separate province.
- The capital of British India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.
Legacy of the Partition
Despite its annulment, the Partition of Bengal left a lasting impact:
- It created a communal divide between Hindus and Muslims in Bengal.
- It exposed the British policy of “divide and rule”, uniting Indians in their struggle against colonial rule.
- Movements like Swadeshi and Boycott became integral to India’s freedom struggle, inspiring future generations of leaders.
Conclusion
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a turning point in India’s history. While it was initially proposed as an administrative reform, it became a tool for suppressing nationalism and creating communal divides. The strong resistance to the partition marked the awakening of Indian unity and fueled the larger struggle for independence, making it a pivotal event in India’s freedom movement.