HISTORY
Charles Grants proposed partition in 1853: Charles Grants' proposal laid the groundwork for the
eventual partition of Bengal by suggesting administrative division along religious lines,
foreshadowing later tensions between Hindus and Muslims. Lord Dalhousie's administration in
1854: Under Lord Dalhousie's administration, the British East India Company's policy of
annexation and consolidation intensified, exacerbating socio-political tensions within Bengal and
setting the stage for later administrative reforms. Famine in Orissa in 1866: The devastating
famine in Orissa highlighted the administrative challenges and shortcomings of the Bengal
Presidency, prompting calls for reforms and restructuring of governance. Sir George Campbell's
involvement in 1872: Sir George Campbell's administration witnessed increasing demands for
administrative decentralization and regional autonomy within Bengal, reflecting growing
dissatisfaction with centralized rule and administrative inefficiencies. Bengal Presidency
encompassing Bengal, Bihar, parts of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and Assam, with a population of 78.5
million, making it the largest province: The vast size and diverse demographics of the Bengal
Presidency posed significant administrative challenges, fueling discussions on the need for
reorganization and decentralization of power. Lord Curzon's viceroyalty in 1898: Lord Curzon's
tenure as Viceroy saw a renewed focus on administrative efficiency and modernization, leading
to proposals for the partition of Bengal as a means of improving governance and facilitating
better administrative control. Curzon's plan to split Orissa and Bihar and join fifteen eastern
districts of Bengal with Assam, centered around Dhaka: Curzon's proposal to partition Bengal
aimed to address administrative complexities and ethnic divisions within the province, but it
ultimately exacerbated communal tensions and sparked widespread protests, culminating in the
formal partition of Bengal in 1905. summarize this in paragraph with all the necessary points
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The seeds of Bengal's partition were sown over decades of colonial rule, marked by key events
and administrative policies that shaped the region's socio-political landscape. Charles Grants'
proposal in 1853 introduced the concept of dividing Bengal along religious lines, foreshadowing
future communal tensions. Lord Dalhousie's administration intensified British annexation efforts,
heightening socio-political unrest. The 1866 Orissa famine underscored governance
shortcomings, prompting calls for reform. Sir George Campbell's tenure saw demands for
decentralization amid dissatisfaction with centralized rule. The Bengal Presidency's immense
size and diverse demographics posed significant administrative challenges, spurring discussions
on restructuring. Lord Curzon's focus on modernization led to proposals for partition, aiming to
address these complexities. However, Curzon's plan to split Bengal ultimately exacerbated
communal tensions, leading to widespread protests and, in 1905, the formal partition of Bengal.
INTRODUCTION
Introduction to the Bengal Partition:
1. Date and Decision Maker: The Bengal Partition was decided upon in December 1903
by Lord Curzon, who was the Governor of India at the time.
2. Geographical Split: Bengal, a large province in British India, was divided into two
distinct entities: Western Bengal with Calcutta as its capital and Eastern Bengal & Assam
with Dacca (now Dhaka) as its capital.
3. Motivation: Lord Curzon's primary motivation for the partition was to weaken the rising
tide of Indian nationalism, with Bengal serving as its epicenter.
4. Challenges of Governance: Bengal's enormous population of 78 million presented
significant governance challenges, prompting Curzon to explore administrative
restructuring.
5. Linguistic Justification: The partition was justified linguistically, with the aim to make
Bengalis a minority within Bengal. The proposed Bengal would have a substantial Hindi
and Oriya-speaking population, outnumbering Bengalis.
6. Religious Demographics: Religious demographics also played a role, with Western
Bengal having a Hindu majority and Eastern Bengal having a significant Muslim
population.
7. Strategic Selection of Capital: Curzon strategically selected Dacca (Dhaka) as the
capital of Eastern Bengal & Assam to foster Muslim unity and potentially dilute the
influence of Indian nationalism.
8. Political Strategy: The British administration aimed to bolster Muslim communalism as
a countermeasure against the growing influence of the Indian National Congress and
the nationalist movement.
OPPOSITION
Surendranath Banerjee's leadership in the Swadeshi movement, advocating the boycott of
British goods, marked a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence. The partition of
Bengal coinciding with Raksha Bandhan exemplified the irony of history, as Rabindranath
Tagore's gesture of tying the rakhi to Muslim brethren underscored unity amidst religious
divides. Despite the cultural richness, partition day was deemed a black day, sparking Maran
Bharat's hunger strike and Bampfylde Fuller's resignation as Governor General of East Bengal
due to escalating Hindu agitation. These events serve as poignant reminders of sacrifices
endured in the pursuit of a free and united India.
