Partition of Bengal (1905): History, Causes, and Impact

The Bengal Presidency underwent a geographical reorganization by the British Raj administration during the Partition of Bengal in 1905. This restructuring involved dividing the region, separating predominantly Hindu districts in the west from predominantly Muslim areas in the east. On 20 July 1905, Lord Curzon, the viceroy of India at the time, officially announced this partition, which took effect on 16 October 1905 but was later repealed 6 years afterward.

The separation faced opposition from the Hindu community in West Bengal, who feared becoming a minority in a region that would also include Bihar and Orissa. Despite Curzon’s assertion that this “divide and rule” approach would enhance administrative efficiency, Hindus strongly opposed the decision. This article will delve further into the events surrounding the Partition of Bengal.

Background of Partition of Bengal

• Following the Battle of Buxar in 1765, the British gained control over a vast territory known as Bengal, encompassing present-day West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Bangladesh, and Assam.
• By the early 1900s, this region was home to approximately 80 million people, with Calcutta serving as its capital and a hub for all of British India.
• Managing such a large area proved challenging, particularly in the eastern rural areas, which received less administrative attention.
• In 1874, Assam was separated from Bengal and placed under a Chief Commissioner to improve governance.
• Lord Curzon proposed the partition of Bengal as a solution to enhance administrative efficiency. He explored eastern Bengal during a visit in 1904 and later considered using the division to counteract rising nationalism in Bengal and other parts of India.
• Under Curzon’s plan, Bengal would be divided into two provinces: Bengal (encompassing modern West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar) and Eastern Bengal and Assam.
• Bengal would transfer five Hindi-speaking states to the Central Provinces while gaining Odia-speaking regions from the same area.
• Eastern Bengal and Assam would include Hill Tripura, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions, with Dhaka as its capital. This province would have a predominantly Muslim population.
• Bengal would remain mostly Hindu-dominated, with Calcutta retaining its status as the capital.

Role of Lord Curzon

• Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, announced the partition of Bengal on 16 July 1905.
• His primary goal was to address administrative challenges posed by the vast Bengal Presidency.
• Curzon believed that the immense size of the Bengal Presidency hindered effective governance.
• He intended to split Orissa and Bihar and join fifteen eastern districts of Bengal with Assam.
• Many saw Curzon’s move as a “divide and rule” strategy.

Timeline of Partition of Bengal

Year	Event Description
1765	British East India Company gains control over Bengal after the Battle of Buxar.
1874	King George V declared Eastern Bengal reunited with Bengal Presidency at Delhi Durbar.
1903	Lord Curzon proposes the partition of Bengal to improve administrative efficiency.
1905	July 20: The partition of Bengal was officially announced by Lord Curzon.
	October 16: Partition becomes effective, dividing Bengal into two provinces.
1906	Formation of the Muslim League in Dhaka, responding in part to the partition.
1911	December 12: Partition of Bengal annulled by Lord Hardinge, Viceroy of India.
	King George V declared Eastern Bengal reunited with the Bengal Presidency at Delhi Durbar.
	Capital shifted from Calcutta to New Delhi, signaling broader administrative changes by the British.
1947	Bengal was partitioned again along religious lines; East Bengal became part of Pakistan as East Pakistan.
1971	East Pakistan declares independence, becoming the sovereign state of Bangladesh after a war of liberation.

Reasons for Partition of Bengal 1905

Religious Differences:

• Over centuries, Hindus and Muslims in India grew apart due to varying religious beliefs, practices, social norms, and economic disparities.
• The rise of Muslim nationalism in the early 20th century intensified tensions between these communities.

Political Differences:

• The Indian National Congress, predominantly Hindu, clashed with the All-India Muslim League (founded in 1906), which represented Muslim interests.
• Their inability to agree on power-sharing arrangements hindered the vision of a united India.

British Colonial Policies:

• British “divide and rule” policies and support for Muslim separatism influenced India’s partition.
• The British government aimed to weaken the growing Indian nationalist movement through this division.

Economic Disparities:

• Hindus and Muslims inhabited different regions with distinct economic interests.
• Hindus were more involved in commerce and industry, while Muslims were often engaged in agriculture.

Social Distinctions:

• Hindu society had a caste system, whereas Muslims did not follow such a structure.

Language Differences:

• India’s linguistic diversity sometimes led to conflicts, as seen in the 1905 partition of Bengal based on language distinctions.

Causes of Partition of Bengal 1905

• The partition of Bengal, proposed by Lord Curzon, sparked widespread political unrest and opposition across the region.
• Bengalis strongly opposed the partition, viewing it as an attack on their national identity and calling for the reunification of Bengal.
• The Indian National Congress criticized the partition, citing racial considerations and condemning the British government’s strategy.
• In the western part of Bengal, the majority of Bengalis opposed the division, fearing they would become a minority within their own province.
• Conversely, many Bengali Muslims supported the partition, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance their educational, economic, and political prospects by gaining majority status in the new province.
• Lord Curzon’s proposal to establish a university in Dhaka was viewed positively among Muslims, seen as a step towards improving education and living standards.
• The British “divide and rule” strategy was perceived to underlie the partition, aimed at undermining nationalist sentiments within India.
• Opposition to the partition led to the rise of nationalist movements such as the Swadeshi and Boycott movements, advocating for economic self-reliance and boycotts of British goods.
• The religious divisions caused by the partition also contributed to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906, further shaping the political landscape of India.

Reaction to the Partition of Bengal

• Mass Protests: The day of the partition, October 16, 1905, became a day of mourning across Bengal. People walked barefoot through the streets, chanting patriotic songs and expressing their anger at the British decision.
• Swadeshi Movement: The movement to boycott foreign goods gained immense momentum. People pledged to use only Indian-made products, promoting self-sufficiency and economic nationalism.
• Unity and Solidarity: The partition served as a unifying force, bringing together people from different backgrounds and religions in a common cause. To symbolize this unity, people tied rakhis (sacred threads) on each other’s wrists.
• Nationalist Awakening: The public’s strong reaction to the partition demonstrated a growing sense of Indian nationalism and a determination to resist British colonial rule.

These reactions highlight the depth of public sentiment against the partition and its role in shaping the course of India’s struggle for independence.

Impact of the Partition of Bengal

• Lord Curzon’s decision to divide Bengal stirred significant controversy and unrest.
• Many Bengalis saw the division as an affront to their homeland and advocated for Bengal to remain united.
• Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic song ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ emerged as a symbol of resistance against the partition and later became Bangladesh’s national anthem.
• The Indian National Congress opposed the partition, rejecting the idea of dividing Bengal on religious grounds.
• Protest in western Bengal was widespread as residents feared becoming a linguistic minority within their own province.
• Some Bengali Muslims supported the division, believing it would benefit them educationally, economically, and politically.
• Lord Curzon’s promise to establish a university in Dhaka was welcomed by Muslims as an opportunity for educational and social advancement.
• The partition of Bengal triggered national protests, with many across India viewing it as a tactic by the British to maintain control through division.
• Opposition to the partition began early and intensified on the day of its implementation, marked by mourning and symbolic protests such as Tagore’s suggestion of Hindus and Muslims tying rakhis to each other.
• Some Muslims also opposed the partition, highlighting internal dissent over the decision.
• The partition catalyzed the Swadeshi and Boycott movements, which aimed to promote Indian goods and boycott British products perceived as detrimental to local industries.
• Religious divisions exacerbated by the partition contributed to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906, altering India’s political landscape.

Features of Partition of Bengal

• In December 1903, the British government decided to divide Bengal, under the governance of Lord Curzon, then India’s Governor.
• Bengal was split into two provinces: Bengal, comprising Orissa, Bihar, and Western Bengal, and Eastern Bengal & Assam.
• Calcutta remained the capital of Bengal, while Dacca was chosen as the capital of Eastern Bengal.
• The primary motive behind partitioning Bengal was to weaken the region, which had become a center of Indian nationalism in the early 20th century.
• With a population of 78 million, Bengal’s governance had become increasingly challenging, prompting the decision for division.
• Linguistically, the partition aimed to reduce Bengalis to a minority within Bengal; the proposed Bengal would have 17 million Bengalis alongside 37 million Hindi and Oriya speakers.
• The division also reflected religious demographics, with Western Bengal predominantly Hindu and Eastern Bengal predominantly Muslim.
• Lord Curzon strategically favored Muslims by selecting Dacca as the capital of Eastern Bengal, aiming to foster Muslim unity.
• The British government sought to cultivate Muslim communalism to counteract the influence of the Indian National Congress and the growing national movement.

Partition of Bengal 1905: Date and Geographic Aspects 

Partition of Bengal Date: On October 16, 1905, British colonial India partitioned Bengal. It split Bengal into Muslim-majority East Bengal and Assam and Hindu-majority West Bengal.

The partition plan divided Bengal geographically to improve administration. However, Indian nationalists saw this as a bid to weaken them. The partition of Bengal date caused demonstrations, boycotts, and rioting, forcing the Brits to rethink.

The partition of Bengal in 1905 affected demography, culture, and administration. East Bengal, having a Muslim majority, became East Bengal, while West Bengal remained Hindu. This separation had lasting cultural, linguistic, and social effects following the 1911 partition reversal.

Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi Movement

• Bengali Hindus initially spearheaded a political movement for increased administrative participation, but fears arose that Muslim dominance in East Bengal would diminish their influence. Hindus were often mobilized against the partition, while Muslims generally supported it.
• The aftermath of the Bengal partition ignited a widespread anti-British movement across the country, marked by boycotts, an assassination attempt on the head of West Bengal, and both peaceful and violent protests.
• Despite its short duration of five years, the partition of Bengal was annulled in 1911, yet Britain’s “Divide Et Imperia” policy continued to impact the united province.
• By 1919, separate elections for Hindus and Muslims underscored the growing communal divide, despite earlier campaigns for the unified representation of Bengalis nationwide.
• The demographic dominance of Muslims, numbering around 28 million compared to 22 million Hindus, led to demands across India for separate states based on religious majorities, including a divided Bengal.
• Muslims believed Bengal should have been part of Pakistan, an Islamic state, leading to the 1947 partition of Bengal along religious lines. East Pakistan emerged, later becoming independent as Bangladesh in 1971 due to cultural differences.
• While the partition of Bengal was sometimes viewed as a pragmatic solution to prevent violence, it exacerbated societal divisions and sparked discontent among minorities on both sides of the border, resulting in loss of life and lasting repercussions.

Partition of Bengal 1905 Annulled

• The partition of Bengal was reversed on December 12, 1911, under the administration of Lord Hardinge, the Viceroy of India at that time.
• The initial partition had sparked significant controversy and unrest in Bengal, leading to widespread protests.
• The annulment of the partition marked a significant victory for the Indian nationalist movement.
• The Swadeshi and Boycott movements emerged in response to the partition, aiming to boycott British goods that were flooding the Indian market and harming local industries.
• The partition also contributed to the country’s communal division and played a role in the establishment of the Muslim League in 1906.
• King George V announced at the Delhi Durbar in 1911 that Eastern Bengal would be reunited with the Bengal Presidency, while Assam, Bihar, and Orissa remained partitioned.
• Lord Hardinge’s decision to revoke the partition was prompted by riots and the growing influence of the Swadeshi movement.
• The decision to shift the capital to New Delhi was seen as an effort to strengthen British colonial governance.
• The annulment of the partition disappointed Bengal’s Muslims, who initially believed the partition protected their interests in Eastern Bengal, where they formed a majority.
• Muslim leaders initially opposed the partition but some later saw advantages in having Muslim-majority provinces like Eastern Bengal and Assam.
• The division deepened communal tensions, with Hindu opposition to the partition viewed as interference in a Muslim-majority province.
• Despite the annulment of the partition, the divide between Bengal’s Hindus and Muslims persisted beyond administrative changes.

Partition’s Representation in Art and Literature

The 1947 partition of Bengal has been a central theme in many works of fiction, poetry, and film. Emotional anguish, human suffering, and societal upheaval have all been brilliantly captured in literary, artistic, and media depictions of this historic event.

Short stories by Khushwant Singh and Saadat Hasan Manto illustrate the schism. Relocation and loss have been depicted in the works of renowned artists such as Satish Gujral and Anjolie Ela Menon. Films like “Garam Hawa” and “Pinjar” offer striking visuals.

These works of art illustrate the devastating effects of the partition on Indian society and culture. The emotional weight and thought-provoking plots of these artistic depictions of this pivotal moment continue to elicit sympathy and comprehension from viewers.

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Public Memorials and Remembrance

Many landmarks in India serve as memorials to the partition. These remembrances provide opportunities for reflection and learning, perpetuating a record of a troubled era. Sadness at the Wagah-Attari border is mirrored in museums in Amritsar, Punjab, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, which chronicle the Partition and the Liberation War.

The division is remembered beyond monuments. Several organizations, schools, and projects teach kids about this time. Oral history, films, and academic studies explain partition effects. Communities hope these efforts will foster empathy and prevent future tragedies by preserving the lessons of this difficult time.

The Partition of Bengal for UPSC Aspirants

The Partition of Bengal, a pivotal event in India’s history, is a crucial topic for UPSC aspirants. Understanding the context, implications, and reactions to this event can provide valuable insights into the evolution of Indian nationalism and the dynamics of British colonial rule.

Key Points for UPSC Aspirants:

• Historical Context: The Partition of Bengal was announced in 1905 by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India. While the British claimed administrative convenience as the rationale, it was widely perceived as a “divide and rule” tactic.
• Reactions and Protests: The partition sparked widespread protests and opposition from Indian nationalists. Leaders like Surendranath Banerjee and Rabindranath Tagore played a pivotal role in mobilizing public support for the Swadeshi movement.
• Swadeshi Movement: The movement to boycott British goods and promote indigenous products gained immense momentum, fostering a sense of national unity and economic self-sufficiency.
• Reversal and Legacy: The British government, facing intense public pressure, reversed the Partition of Bengal in 1911. However, the event left a lasting impact on Indian nationalism, laying the groundwork for future struggles against British rule.

Exam-Related Questions:

• Discuss the reasons behind the Partition of Bengal and its impact on Indian nationalism.
• Analyze the role of the Swadeshi movement in resisting British colonial rule.
• Evaluate the significance of the Partition of Bengal as a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.

By studying the Partition of Bengal, UPSC aspirants can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of India’s freedom movement and the factors that shaped the nation’s political landscape.

Conclusion 

The division of Bengal had a profound effect on India and its neighbors. The cultural, political, and social repercussions of this event will be felt for decades. Because of this event, the political landscape of the subcontinent was forever changed. Identity, religious pluralism, and nation-building were all brought into sharp focus, as were the effects of the split on political narratives.

This split is foundational to comprehending the independence movement, the region’s pluralism, and their ability to coexist peacefully. Divided policies are dangerous and require unity and understanding. Finally, the partition of Bengal reshaped India’s history and highlighted the importance of valuing diversity while pursuing unity.

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