Partition of Bengal reversed [1911]

Question 1

What was the immediate reaction of Hindus to the partition of Bengal in 1905?

Answer 1

• The partition of Bengal created a Muslim-majority province in East Bengal, which infuriated the Hindus.
• They rejected the decision and launched a series of violent protests and demonstrations.
• On 16 October 1905, the day the partition was implemented, Hindus declared it a day of mourning.
• Hundreds of protest meetings were held, and many petitions were sent to the government.
• The situation escalated to the point where an assassination attempt was made on the future Viceroy Lord Minto.

Question 2

How did economic factors contribute to the reversal of the partition of Bengal?

Answer 2

• The British reversed the partition of Bengal partly due to economic reasons.
• Hindus in West Bengal launched the Swadeshi Movement, which spread to other parts of India.
• This movement was a massive campaign to boycott British goods and promote the use of local products.
• The movement gained immense support, and the use of home-made goods became a symbol of national pride.
• Foreign clothes were thrown into bonfires, and by 1908, imports from Britain had fallen drastically, leading to a significant decline in sales of British goods in Indian markets. This economic setback forced the British to reconsider their decision.

Question 3

What political unrest forced the British to reverse the partition of Bengal?

Answer 3

• The British tried to control the growing political unrest, but the situation worsened.
• In 1908, the Press Act was passed, imposing strict restrictions on newspapers and public gatherings. Editors were imprisoned.
• Prisons filled up with revolutionary activists, and leaders like Tilak were arrested in June 1908 and sentenced to six years in prison.
• The British also tried reconciliation by introducing the Morley-Minto Reforms in 1909 to gain Hindu support.
• However, these reforms failed to calm the opposition, and the situation became increasingly difficult for peaceful administration.
• Finally, in 1911, when King George V visited India, the British decided to cancel the partition of Bengal.