Question

One of Lord Curzon's administrative measures that resulted in a strong resentment from the masses was the Partition of Bengal in 1905. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) What was Lord Curzon's argument in favour of the Partition of Bengal? How did the Nationalists interpret Lord Curzon's motives?
(b) How did the people react to the Partition of Bengal?
(c) What was the impact of the Swadeshi Movement on Indian Industries?

Answer 1

a) The Partition of Bengal was the decision of separating eastern parts of Bengal from rest of Bengal. It was announced on 20 July 1905 by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The reason given for the decision was that Bengal with a population of 78 million had become too big to be administered. This was interpreted as an attempt to weaken Bengal by dividing it into the lines of religion.

b) The Swadeshi movement was launched in protest of the Government’s decision to partition Bengal. It called for boycott of all British goods and buy Indian products only.

c) Swadeshi movement laid emphasis on self-reliance or ‘Atma Shakti’ which led to establishment of Swadeshi enterprises like textile mills, tanneries, banks, soap and match factories, etc.