Question

Explain the policy of Divide and Rule used by the British while partitioning Bengal?

Answer 1

Instruction :

• It should have 3-5 points.
• Introduce the Partition of Bengal and the real motives behind it.
• Explain Divide and Rule Policy used by the British to gather support of Muslims

Solution :

The partition of Bengal was announced by Lord Curzon on 19 July 1905 and officially came into effect on 16 October 1905. The British administration justified the move stating that it was being done for administrative reasons. But, the real motive behind it was to curb the rise of nationalistic sentiments in the Bengal region by using the policy of Divide and Rule.

Lord Curzon visited the eastern part of Bengal and Assam before announcing the partition plan and realised that the Muslim population under Nawab Salimullah of Dacca, are in favour of partition as they hoped to get a new identity if partition took place.

He saw this as an opportunity to gain the confidence of the Muslims and highlighted the possibility of Dacca becoming a provincial capital which would safeguard Muslim interests.