- 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: Partition of Bengal (1905) under Lord Curzon
Key Points: Causes of Partition of Bengal
- Officially justified as an administrative necessity due to Bengal’s large size.
- Real aim was to weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal.
- Partition reduced Bengali influence by splitting them under two administrations.
- It encouraged communal division between Hindus and Muslims.
- The decision ignored public opinion and hurt Bengali sentiments.
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: Impact of the Anti-Partition Movement
- The movement spread nationalism among the masses and strengthened unity.
- Swadeshi and Boycott emerged as powerful tools against British rule.
- People lost faith in British justice and fair play.
- The movement weakened Moderate methods and strengthened Assertive Nationalists.
- Partition of Bengal was annulled in 1911, and the capital shifted from Kolkata to Delhi.
Key Points: Surat Split of 1907
- Differences grew between Early and Assertive Nationalists over Swadeshi and Boycott.
- Early Nationalists favoured petitions; Assertive Nationalists wanted mass struggle for Swaraj.
- Conflict intensified at the Surat session in 1907 over leadership and methods.
- The Congress split and Assertive Nationalists were expelled.
- The split weakened the national movement and benefited the British.
Key Points: The Assertive Nationalists
- Assertive Nationalists rejected moderate methods and believed in active resistance.
- They blamed British rule for India’s poverty and backwardness.
- Their rise was due to failure of moderates, economic distress, and Curzon’s policies.
- Led by Lal-Bal-Pal, they stressed mass action and sacrifice.
- Their goal was immediate and complete Swaraj.
Key Points: Methods of Assertive Nationalists
- Believed in active resistance and mass action.
- Used Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education.
- Followed non-cooperation and passive resistance.
- Revived national pride and encouraged self-sacrifice.
- Faced severe British repression.
Key Points: Comparison Between Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists
| Early Nationalists | Assertive Nationalists |
|---|---|
| Wanted autonomy within British rule | Wanted complete Swaraj |
| Used constitutional methods | Used assertive methods |
| Trusted British justice | Rejected British rule |
| Supported by educated class | Supported by masses |
| Inspired by Western ideas | Inspired by India’s past |
Key Points: Achievements of Assertive Nationalists
- They promoted national pride, self-confidence, and self-reliance.
- Introduced new methods and slogans like Swadeshi, Boycott, and mass agitation.
- Spread nationalism among the masses through vernacular press.
- Encouraged sacrifice and active resistance against British rule.
- Strengthened Indian industries and national education.
- Spread the movement across India and contributed to the annulment of the Partition of Bengal (1911).
Key Points: Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Leader of Assertive Nationalism (1856–1920)
- Known as the Father of Assertive Nationalism.
- Gave the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright” and demanded it openly.
- Mobilised the masses and promoted courage, self-reliance, and patriotism.
- Used Ganapati and Shivaji festivals and newspapers (Kesari, Mahratta) to spread nationalism.
- Founded the Home Rule League (1916).
- A forerunner of Mahatma Gandhi in ideas like Swadeshi, Boycott, mass struggle, and sacrifice.
Key Points: Bipin Chandra Pal: Leader of Assertive Nationalism (1858–1932)
- Known as the Father of Revolutionary Thought in India.
- Assertive nationalist and member of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio.
- Used journalism to spread nationalism; imprisoned for his views.
- Strong supporter of National Education, Swadeshi, and Boycott.
- Worked for social reforms, women’s education, and economic equality.
Key Points: Lala Lajpat Rai: Leader of Assertive Nationalism (1865–1928)
- Known as Punjab Kesari (Sher-e-Punjab) and a leading Assertive Nationalist.
- Fought British rule through mass movements; faced arrests and deportation.
- Strong supporter of workers’ rights; first President of AITUC (1920).
- Promoted national education, social reform, and journalism.
- Died after a lathi charge during the Simon Commission protest (1928).
Important Questions [21]
- The Indian National Movement is divided into three phases. answer the following question: Who was responsible for the partition of Bengal?
- The Indian National Movement is divided into three phases. Mention any two points to explain the perspective of the Nationalists regarding the actual motive behind the decision of partition.
- What Was the General Service Enlistment Act?
- State Two Reasons Given by Lord Curzon to Justify the Partition of Bengal.
- The plan of Partition of Bengal was proposed by ______.
- What was the result of the Surat split?
- In which year did the Surat Split happen?
- What Were the Two Basic Reasons Responsible for the Surat Split in 1907 Between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists?
- The Indian National Movement is divided into three phases. answer the following question: What was the objective of the Assertive Nationalists?
- The main objective of the Assertive Nationalists was ______.
- The Second Half of the 19th Century Witnessed Growth of a Strong Feeling of Nationalism.Any Three Differences in Methods Adopted Between the Early Nationalists and Radicals, in the National Movement.
- The Indian National Movement is divided into three phases. answer the following question: Mention any two contributions of Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
- Give the Names of Two Leaders Who Led the Home Rule Movement in India.
- The Conflict Between Two Sections of the Congress Came to Surface in Its Session in 1906 at Calcutta. in this Context, Explain the Following: the Split in the Congress
- 1) What Were the Three Personalities Popularly Known As? 2) Which Section of the Congress Did They Represent? 3) Mention Two of Their Popular Beliefs.
- The Conflict Between Two Sections of the Congress Came to Surface in Its Session in 1906 at Calcutta. in this Context, Explain the Following: State Any Four Methods that They Advocated for the Achievement of Their Aims.
- Who Founded the Home Rule League in India? What Was Its Objective?
- Mention Two Important Contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai.
- The Early Congressmen Were Liberal in Their Views and Programmes. this Led to the Rise of Radical Nationalists Who Demanded More Forceful Action Against the British. in this Context, Discuss the Following: How Did Tilak Bring a New Wave in Indian Politics that Was Distinct from the Early Congressmen?
- Write Any Two Contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai to the National Movement.
- Name the Nationalist Who Said ‘Swaraj is My Birthright and I Shall Have It’. State Any Two of His Contributions to the National Movement.
Concepts [12]
- Partition of Bengal (1905) under Lord Curzon
- Causes of Partition of Bengal
- The Anti-Partition Movement
- Impact of the Anti-Partition Movement
- Surat Split of 1907
- The Assertive Nationalists
- Methods of Assertive Nationalists
- Comparison Between Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists
- Achievements of Assertive Nationalists
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Leader of Assertive Nationalism (1856–1920)
- Bipin Chandra Pal: Leader of Assertive Nationalism (1858–1932)
- Lala Lajpat Rai: Leader of Assertive Nationalism (1865–1928)
