- Lord Curzon’s tenure (1899–1905) saw the controversial Partition of Bengal.
- Bengal was divided in 1905 into Bengal and Eastern Bengal and Assam.
- The partition was presented as administrative but aimed at weakening Indian nationalism.
- It divided people on communal lines, making Hindus and Bengali speakers minorities.
- The partition was implemented on 16 October 1905, causing widespread resentment.
Key Points
Key Points: Aims of the Indian National Congress
- To promote unity among nationalist leaders from different regions.
- To develop national unity beyond caste, religion, and province.
- To place people’s demands before the British government.
- To educate, train, and organise public opinion.
Key Points: Partition of Bengal (1905) under Lord Curzon
Key Points: The Anti-Partition Movement
- Partition of Bengal led to a mass anti-partition movement.
- People from all sections united against it.
- 7 August 1905 marked the start of protests.
- 16 October 1905 was observed as a day of mourning.
- National unity was shown through slogans, songs, and Raksha Bandhan.
Key Points: Formation of Muslim League
- Success of the Muslim Deputation encouraged separate Muslim organisation.
- Nawab Salimullah of Dacca took the initiative.
- All-India Muslim League was formed on 30 December 1906 at Dacca.
- Nawab Salimullah became its President; Agha Khan was Permanent President.
- Headquarters were at Aligarh, later shifted to Lucknow (1910).
Key Points: The Lucknow Pact
- Signed during World War I between the Congress and the Muslim League.
- International events like British hostility to Turkey created Muslim resentment against Britain.
- National developments such as annulment of Bengal Partition and rise of nationalist Muslim leaders encouraged unity.
- The Muslim League changed its aim to support self-government.
- Efforts of Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak helped bring Congress and League together.
Concepts [16]
- Rise of Nationalism
- Foundation of the Indian National Congress
- Aims of the Indian National Congress
- Moderate Phase (1885-1905)
- Extremist Phase (1905-1920)
- Partition of Bengal (1905) under Lord Curzon
- The Anti-Partition Movement
- Four Point Programme of Indian National Congress
- Differences Between Moderates and Extremists
- Supression of the British
- Formation of Muslim League
- Morley-Minto Act
- The Lucknow Pact
- Home Rule Movement (1916–1918)
- First World War and India
- Montague Chelmsford Reform Act
