Why was the partition of Bengal reversed? (7 marks)

PAK STUDIES

 CHAPTER 6

7 Mark Questions 

Q1. Why was the partition of Bengal reversed? / How did the Hindus oppose the Partition of Bengal?

The British partitioned Bengal in 1905 by claiming that the province was too large to be governed. Though the Muslims were delighted however the Hindus considered this to be part of the British "divide and rule policy". To show their discontentment, the day of partition, 16th October 1905, was called the day of mourning. Thousands of people came out to protest and petitions were signed and sent to the government. Mob rallies were organized and shutter down strikes were observed as a token of resentment against the partition. The Hindu workers also began a series of strikes in areas like Calcutta. Soon senior British officials were attacked and there was even an assassination attempt on the future Viceory, Lord Minot. This caused problems for the British to run the state affairs effectively. 

The Indian National Congress also started the Swadeshi Movement which called for the Indians to boycott British goods and instead to use locally made goods. At many places, the British factor made cloth was thrown into bonfires to mark the hatred against the foreign goods. It now became a matter of pride to wear the local cloth and thus the British began suffering economically. Lastly, King George V was scheduled to visit India in 1911. However, the Congress threatened to boycott the Coronation Ceremony of the King that was a royal tradition and a hallmark of British authority over its colonies. Thus threat was a serious blow to the pride of the British who had now been pressurized to consider the petition. As Lord Curzon, the originator of the idea, was no longer a viceroy so a change of policy was easier. Consequently, in 1911, the partition was reversed by Lord Handigs, stating that it was part of British policy in ruling India, though the reality was, they had been forced to take such a step.