Question

Explain the following statement with reason.

Lord Curzon decided to partition Bengal.

Answer 1

The partition of Bengal was announced on 19 July 1905 by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The partition took place on 16 October 1905 and separated the largely Muslim eastern areas from the mostly Hindu western areas.

The reasons for the partition were

1. Bengal was a very large province with a huge population. The British government claimed it was difficult to govern effectively under a single administration. So, the partition was projected as a step to improve administrative efficiency.
2. The eastern region of Bengal was underdeveloped and neglected. The British stated that by creating a new province, better governance, education, and employment opportunities could be ensured in that region.
3. The actual motive behind the partition was political. The British wanted to weaken the unity between Hindus and Muslims, who were joining hands in the growing nationalist movement. By dividing Bengal on religious lines, the British intended to create communal tension and follow their “Divide and Rule” policy.