Question

What were the real motives behind the Partition of Bengal?

Answer 1

Instruction :

• The answer should have at least 8-9 points.
• Explain the three main motives for partition.
• Mention the message by Lord Curzon about the people in Bengal.

Solution :
The real motives behind the partition of Bengal were:

• To suppress the rise of nationalist sentiment in Bengal
• Applying the policy of divide et impera or divide and rule
• Show of strength by the British Empire
• To suppress the rise of nationalist sentiment in Bengal:
  • Lord Curzon saw the Bengalees in East Bengal as a threat since they organized and spread movements against the British. This was the main reason why partition became necessary for the British.
  • In a communication to the secretary of state, he mentioned that a united Bengal would be too powerful for the British to control and they should take this opportunity to dismember Bengal.
• Applying the policy of divide et impera or divide and rule:
  • Lord Curzon aimed to create a rift between the Hindu and Muslim communities by promoting communnalism.
  • Nawab Salimullah of Bengal partition as a welcome change as he believed the new region created will safeguard Muslim interests. Thus, the Muslims in East Bengal supported partition.
  • The British considered the allegiance of the Muslim population would come as an added benefit.
  • Show of strength by the British Empire:
    • Lord Curzon detested the idea of a democratic society.
    • He was confident that the uneducated Indian people could never have the desire to act politically.
    • Thus, he ignored the concerns of the INC and the protesting Bengalee population which ultimately resulted in the partition of Bengal on 16th October, 1905.