BENGAL's PARTITON in 1905 [7] (topic 8) Flashcards
(4 cards)
1
Q
Why was the partition of Bengal considered necessary by the British administration in 1905?
A
- Bengal was too large and difficult to govern effectively.
- It covered 189,000 square miles and had a population of 95 million—ten times more than Britain’s.
- One lieutenant governor could not manage the vast province, especially due to poor communication, dense jungles, and marshy areas.
- Law and order were hard to maintain because of limited police and inefficient administration. Partition was seen as necessary to improve control and governance.
2
Q
How did cultural and regional differences contribute to the partition of Bengal?
A
- West Bengal and East Bengal had different languages and cultures.
- West Bengalis considered themselves more civilized and superior to East Bengalis, creating social tension.
- Partition was proposed to address these differences and also to develop trade in East Bengal.
- The division would also promote the Port of Chittagong, which needed focused administrative support to grow economically.
3
Q
How did the partition of Bengal in 1905 benefit the Muslim population?
A
- The partition created a province where Muslims were the majority, helping to improve their conditions.
- Before this, East Bengal was underdeveloped, with Muslim peasants oppressed by Hindu landlords, poor river safety, and little funding for education.
- After partition, there was growth in Bengali Muslim literature and language, and more attention was given to the social, educational, and economic uplift of Muslims.
4
Q
Why did Bengali Hindus oppose the partition of Bengal in 1905?
A
- Bengali Hindus believed the partition was a British plot to divide Hindus and Muslims.
- They accused Lord Curzon of using a ‘divide and rule’ policy by favoring Muslims and separating the Hindu-majority West from the Muslim-majority East.
- They saw this as a threat to Bengali unity and identity and viewed it as a blow to their nationalist movement.
