Question

Which among the following statements is/are correct with respect to the partition of Bengal?

1) Bengal was partitioned on the basis of religion and language.
2) Lord Curzon issued the order to partition Bengal on 16 October, 1915.
3) According to Lord Curzon, the purpose of partition was to bring administrative efficiency in governance.

• A. Only 2 and 3 are correct.
• B. Only 1 and 3 are correct.
• C. Only 1 and 2 are correct.
• D. 1, 2, and 3 are correct.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Only 1 and 3 are correct.

The plan to partition Bengal was made known in 1903. The order was issued on 20th July, 1905. It came into effect on 16th October, 1905. The plan was prepared by Lord Curzon (Viceroy), Risley (Home Secretary to the Government of India) and Andrew Frazer (Lt. Governor of Bengal). According to Lord Curzon, the partition was to bring administrative efficiency in governance. However, their real motive was to create a rift between the two major religious communities: Hindus and Muslims. They wanted to make Bengalis a minority in their own land as Bengal was the nerve centre of Indian nationalism. Thus, the partition of Bengal was based on religion and language.