Partition Of Bengal Divide: Impact on Nationalism & Independence Movement

Partition Of Bengal 1905: British Divide and Indian Unity

The Partition of Bengal was a significant event in Indian history that occurred on October 16, 1905. It divided the Bengal province into two separate entities, Bengal and Eastern Bengal and Assam, along religious lines. The decision was made by the British government to weaken the growing nationalism and Hindu-Muslim unity in the region. The partition sparked widespread protests and marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement.

Background And The Motive Of Government Behind The Partition Of Bengal: British Strategy and Nationalist Resistance

The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a significant event in Indian history with far-reaching implications. Here is a comprehensive overview of the background and motives behind the partition of Bengal:

• Bengal include: Bengal was a single province that included Bihar, Orissa, Bengal, and Dacca.
• Policy for Two Provinces: The decision aimed to create Eastern Bengal and Assam, and Bengal, which would include Western Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. Calcutta remained the capital of Bengal, while Dacca became the capital of Eastern Bengal.
• Official Reason Given: The official reason given by the government was the administrative difficulty of managing Bengal’s large population of 78 million, roughly one-fourth of the population of British India. The government claimed that the partition would facilitate growth in the underdeveloped eastern region of Bengal.
• Real Objective: The primary objective was to implement a “Divide and Rule” strategy in the most developed part of the nation, and the Muslim community was enticed with the promise of a separate province for them.
• Dividing the Bengalis based on language and religion: The Bengalis were divided into two administrations based on language, making Bengalis a minority within Bengal itself. According to the new proposal, Bengal proper would have 17 million Bengalis and 37 million Hindi and Oriya speakers. The partition was also based on religion, with the western half having a majority of Hindus (42 million out of 54 million) and the eastern half having a majority of Muslims (18 million out of 31 million).
• View of the Nationalists: Nationalists perceived the partition as more than just an administrative decision and as a challenge to Indian nationalism. They saw it as a setback for Bengali language and culture.
• According to Curzon: Lord Curzon stated that the partition aimed to “dethrone Calcutta,” which served as the nerve centre of Congress and the epicentre of nationalist activity.
• Implementation despite Protest: Despite widespread protests, the government proceeded with the partition, which took place on July 20 and became effective on October 16 of the same year.
• Impact and Significance: The Partition of Bengal marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement and fueled intensified protests and boycotts. It united the Indian masses and fostered a spirit of unity and resistance against British colonial rule.

Nationalist Response On Partition Of Bengal: Congress Divide, Extremist Uprising, and Tensions

• Moderates: The Partition also caused disagreements within the Congress because the Moderates wanted to limit the agitation to Bengal only.
• Extremist: On the other side, extremists sought to spark a nationwide uprising and hoped to enhance its impact by launching the Swadeshi Movement.
• Increased Tension in Both Factions: This resulted in increased tensions between the two camps, which peaked in the 1906 congress, where a standoff was averted by electing Dadabhai Naroji as president. (He was respected by both factions, so Tilak, the extremist leader, also approved of his selection. But earlier, he was the front-runner for the presidency). 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Partition of Bengal, implemented by the British government in 1905, aimed to divide and weaken the growing nationalist movement and Hindu-Muslim unity in India. Despite protests, the partition was carried out, sparking intensified resistance and protests that became a turning point in the Indian independence movement. The partition disrupted the virtual class rule and ignited a spirit of unity and resistance among the Indian masses, laying the foundation for the eventual attainment of Indian independence in 1947.

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