Question

why did the british think of partitioning bengal

Answer 1

The Partition of Bengal was the process of separating eastern parts of Bengal from rest of Bengal. The British Indian government stated the reason of Bengal partition as a measure to improve the administration efficiency. The western region of Bengal comparatively got more focus than that of the eastern region. British projected the partition process would help the administration process by

1) Reducing the burden of government of Bengal and form a separate government for the efficient administration of East Bengal and Assam.  

2) Promoting the development of Assam by including it under the direct jurisdiction of government which was earlier administered by a Chief Commissioner.  

3) Integrating the scattered sections of Orissa under a single administrative umbrella.

The majority of population in the western part of Bengal was Hindu and the eastern part was mainly dominated by Muslim. The Muslims were mostly in favour of the partition whereas the Hindu community opposed the partition of Bengal.

Bengal Partition

In 1905 AD, the Viceroy of India Lord Curzoncarried out the partition although there was a strong opposition from majority of Indians. The government announced its final decision on19thJuly 1905 and partition was completed with effect from 16thOctober 1905. The partition made original Bengal province to two separate provinces, 1) Bengal 2) Eastern Bengal and Assam. East Bengal was added with Assam and formed the Eastern Bengal and Assam province. Dhaka became the capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam. Chittagong, Dhaka Divisions, Rajshahi Division (excluding Darjeeling) and Malda District were separated from Bengal and transferred to the new province. State of Hill Tripura came under Eastern Bengal and Assam province.

Reaction of Indians

There was a huge reaction mainly from the Hindus against the separation of Bengal. Throughout the Bengal a wave of anger became prominent. Extremist and Moderate leaders of Indian National Congress launched a massive movement to end the partition. People termed it as a policy of Divide and Rule. On the day of partition, people of Bengal observed day of mourning. Partition initiated a major political crisis and sparked enormous agitation including protests, boycott of British goods, unrest and mass meetings. In 1906, Rabindranath Tagore composed the famous song Amar Shonar Bangla which was adopted as the national anthem of Bangladesh in 1972.

Reunite of East and West Bengal  

In 1911, Indian capital was shifted to Delhi from Calcutta and the same year East Bengal and West Bengal were reunited. The administration of Assam went to chief commissioner. Bihar and Orissa were separated to form a new province.

Answer 2

Thinking of British about Bengal partitioning:

• They viewed the partition as an effort to repress nationalism in Bengal, where it was more established than elsewhere.  
• Distress against the partition comprised mass meetings, rural discontent, and a swadeshi (native) movement to boycott the import of British goods.
• Muslims led by the Nawab Sallimullah of Dhaka reinforced the partition and Hindus opposed it.

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