The partition of Bengal in 1905 stands as a pivotal event in Indian history, marking a significant turning point in the struggle against British colonial rule. This decision, made by the British government, had profound and far-reaching consequences, igniting intense nationalist sentiments and galvanizing the Indian population into action. The partition was not merely a geographical division but symbolized British attempts to weaken Indian unity and sow seeds of discord for their own administrative convenience. It sparked widespread protests, leading to the rise of extremism within the Indian nationalist movement and setting the stage for future struggles for independence. Understanding the causes, consequences, and significance of the partition of Bengal provides invaluable insights into the complex dynamics of colonialism and resistance in pre-independent India.
Background
Bengal, which included present-day West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Bangladesh, and Assam, was ruled by the British from 1765. With its huge population, nearing 80 million by the early 20th century, governing the province became a challenge due to its vast size. The region faced uneven development, with a focus on Calcutta while rural areas in eastern Bengal lagged behind in industry, education, and jobs.
The idea of splitting Bengal existed before Lord Curzon’s time, with Assam separated in 1874. Initially proposed for administrative reasons, Curzon later saw it as a way to weaken growing nationalist movements. The plan was to create two provinces: Bengal (with West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar) and Eastern Bengal and Assam. Bengal would lose Hindi-speaking areas to the Central Provinces but gain Odia-speaking ones. Eastern Bengal would consist of Hill Tripura, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions, with Dhaka as its capital. Bengal would have a Hindu majority, while Eastern Bengal and Assam would be Muslim-majority. Calcutta would remain the capital.
Why Partition of Bengal?
- In 1905, Lord Curzon, a British leader in India, split Bengal on October 16th. He did this mainly for better administration. Bengal was big and had many people, so dividing it would make governing the eastern part easier.
- This division caused a lot of trouble and protests. Bengalis felt it was an insult to their identity and demanded Bengal be put back together. The Indian National Congress, a big political group, criticized the split, saying it was based on racism.
- Most Bengalis in the west didn’t like the split because they worried they’d become a minority in their own province. But many Bengali Muslims supported it because they thought it would help them get better education, jobs, and political power.
- When Lord Curzon promised to build a university in Dhaka, Muslims saw it as a chance to improve their lives.
- People saw the partition as a way for the British to control them by causing division. This led to movements like Swadeshi and Boycott, urging Indians to stop buying British goods and support local industries.
- The split also led to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906, showing the growing religious divide caused by the partition.
Reasons for Bengal Partition
- Religious Differences: Hindus and Muslims in India had different beliefs, worship practices, and social statuses. Over time, these differences caused them to drift apart and led to tensions, especially with the rise of Muslim nationalism in the early 1900s.
- Political Differences: The Indian National Congress, led mainly by Hindus, and the All-India Muslim League, representing Muslims, couldn’t agree on how to share power in a united India.
- British Colonial Policies: The British rulers wanted to control India by dividing its people. They supported Muslim separatism to weaken the growing Indian nationalist movement.
- Economic Differences: Hindus and Muslims often lived in different regions and had different economic interests. Hindus were more involved in trade and industry, while Muslims were more into agriculture.
- Social Differences: Hindus had a caste system, but Muslims didn’t. This difference in social customs also contributed to tensions.
- Language Differences: India has many languages, which sometimes caused conflicts among its people.
Impact of Bengal Partition
- Trouble Caused by Bengal Division: Insult to Homeland: Lord Curzon’s decision to divide Bengal stirred strong emotions among its people. Many Bengalis saw it as an insult to their homeland and wanted Bengal to remain united.
- Tagore’s Song: Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned poet, expressed the sentiments of Bengalis through his famous song ‘Amar Sonar Bangla,’ which later became the national anthem of Bangladesh.
- Opposition by Congress: The Indian National Congress, a major political party, opposed the division of Bengal, particularly on religious grounds.
- Protest in Western Bengal: Most Bengalis in the western part of Bengal protested vehemently against the division, fearing they would become a linguistic minority within their own province.
- Support from Some Bengali Muslims: However, some Bengali Muslims supported the division, believing it could benefit them educationally, economically, and politically.
- Promise of a University: Lord Curzon attempted to appease Muslims by promising to establish a university in Dhaka. This pledge was seen as an opportunity for Muslims to enhance their education and living standards.
- National Protest: The division of Bengal sparked protests across the country, with many believing it was part of the British strategy of ‘divide and rule.’
- Early Agitation: The agitation against the partition began even before its implementation, and on the day of partition, people mourned the division of their homeland. Tagore suggested a symbolic protest where Hindus and Muslims would tie rakhis to each other.
- Opposition from Some Muslims: Despite the support from some Bengali Muslims, there were also Muslims who disagreed with the partition, seeing it as detrimental to the unity of the nation.
- Swadeshi and Boycott Movements: The partition of Bengal fueled the Swadeshi and Boycott movements, urging Indians to boycott British goods in protest against the divisive policies of the British government.
- Religious Division: The partition exacerbated religious divisions within the country and contributed to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906, further polarizing the Indian political landscape.
Annulment of Partition of Bengal
- The reversal of the 1911 partition of Bengal happened because of a few reasons. Originally, the partition faced strong opposition and was declared illegal due to political protests. Instead of splitting Bengal based on religion, it was divided based on language, creating two new provinces: Orissa and Bihar, and dividing Assam.
- Because protests continued, authorities decided to undo the division. In 1911, King George V announced that eastern Bengal would reunite with the Bengal Presidency. Areas where Bengali was spoken the most remained together.
- Lord Hardinge played a big part in undoing the partition because riots linked to the Swadeshi movement made things worse. Moving the capital to New Delhi aimed to make the British rule stronger.
- The partition upset Muslims in Bengal because they thought it favored Hindus. Muslim leaders didn’t like the division and thought creating Muslim-majority districts would be better.
- Even though the partition was reversed, it didn’t cause a split between Hindus and Muslims in culture, and the region stayed united.
In conclusion, the partition of Bengal in 1905 stands as a significant chapter in India’s struggle for independence, characterized by political turmoil, social upheaval, and religious tensions. Initially intended as an administrative measure, the partition quickly became a symbol of British colonial policies aimed at divide and rule. The decision to divide Bengal along religious lines sparked widespread protests and opposition, reflecting the deep-seated sense of national identity among Bengalis. However, the resilience of the people and the unity forged through shared cultural heritage ultimately led to the annulment of the partition in 1911. While the reversal did not erase religious or social divisions entirely, it underscored the power of collective action in challenging oppressive colonial regimes. The partition of Bengal remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of colonial rule and the enduring quest for unity and self-determination among diverse communities.
Also Read: Swadeshi and Boycott Movement.