Partition of Bengal 1905 and Swadeshi Movement

Question 1

When was the partition of Bengal?

Answer 1

16 October 1905

Question 2

Why was Bengal partitioned?

Answer 2

1. Too vast as it included Bihar and Orissa.
2. Relieve administrative burden and focus onto the efficient administration of the outlying districts
3. To create a rift between Hindus and Muslims .
4. To curb the growing nationalism in Bengal.

Question 3

Why did most Hindus oppose partition?

Answer 3

1. The new province would be predominantly Muslim.
2. Would become a minority along with Bihar and Orissa.
3. Would lose control of trade and commerce, different possessions, rural societies, etc,
4. Opposed the divide and rule policy.
5. Consequently, started the Swadeshi movement where they boycotted British goods, stopped going to factories, to put economic pressure on the British.

Question 4

Why did most Muslims support partition?

Answer 4

1. Would be free from the Hindu socio-economic control.

2. Could develop their own area.

Question 5

Why did the Swadesh movement fail?

Answer 5

1. Lost momentum because of lack of leadership.
2. Little central organisation, and divide within the INC
3. When it was not yielding desired results, it became violent and militant.
4. Alienation of Muslims as they did not participate (led to the creation of AIML)