1. One of Lord Curzon's administrative measures that resulted in a strong resentment from the
masses was the Partition of Bengal in 1905. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) What was Lord Curzon's argument in favour of the Partition of Bengal? How did the
nationalists interpret Lord Curzon's motives?
(b) How did the people react to the Partition of Bengal?
(c)What was the impact of the Anti-Partition Movement?
Answers
Answer:
Lord Curzon's Argument: The area of Bengal was too large and it was difficult for the British to administer efficiently. Hence, according to Lord Curzon, the partition of Bengal was an administrative necessity.
Nationalists Interpretation: The nationalists thought that this was done in order to break or divide the Hindu-Muslim unity. To stop the tide of Nationalism, to curb Bengali influence by not only placing Bengalis under the administration but by reducing them to a minority in Bengal.
Explanation:
Lord Curzon's Argument: The area of Bengal was too large and it was difficult for the British to administer efficiently. Hence, according to Lord Curzon, the partition of Bengal was an administrative necessity.
Nationalists Interpretation: The nationalists thought that this was done in order to break or divide the Hindu-Muslim unity. To stop the tide of Nationalism, to curb Bengali influence by not only placing Bengalis under the administration but by reducing them to a minority in Bengal.