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A CRITICAL RESEARCH OF THE BENGAL PARTITION

Abstract:
This research was carried out in order to identify the true reasons and motivations for the
partition of Bengal. Curzon reduced this department to a minor reorganization of administrative
boundaries. Not only that, but there were a few other factors that contributed to the partition of
Bengal. Curzon visited East Bengal in 1904, and the proposal was finalized in October 1905.As a
result, on October 16, 1905, Bengal was partitioned into two parts, the first of which was broken
down in 1911 with the help of Lord Hardinge, and Bengal was once again reunited. The Bengal
was then partitioned into components again in 1947. West Bengal was given to India's Hindu
majority, while East Bengal (now Bangladesh) was given to Pakistan's Muslim majority. Some
people said that the partition of Bengal had become justified, while others claimed that it had no
longer become reasonable.
As a result, it became a contentious subject. Administrative boundaries, politics, and
socioeconomic factors all had a role in the division, which was a crucial issue for Muslims.

Picture: The Bengal Partition (1905-1911)

Introduction
"Divide and conquer is a horrible idea. But the past is the past. All we have to do now is look
ahead." Mahatma Gandhi is a Mahatma Gandhi quote. "By whatever definition or test of a
nation, we maintain and insist that Muslims and Hindus are two major nations." Muhammad Ali
Jinnah (Muhammad Ali Jinnah) (Muhammad Ali Jinnah Bengal was partitioned in 1905, on the
16th of October, by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The jape and western halves of Bengal
were rejoined in 1911 as a result of the high level of political turmoil produced by the partition.
Furthermore, the split is frequently taken into account because of Curzon's mind baby.
Nonetheless, even though he played a key role, this was no longer the case. The division, on the
other hand, became both an administrative and a political action. Again, the British were
beginning to feel concerned about blending in with Bengal's inhabitants. Furthermore, discontent
grew as a result of the government' inability to provide effective relief for the duration of the
plague and famine. They used their divide-and-rule political game with first-rate force for the
first time. They began criminalizing politics after transforming into the perhaps. In addition, the
Swadeshi movement began as a protest against the partition of Bengal. The Bengalis' rage and
discontent grew into something ugly as a result of Bengal's decision to divide British
sovereignty. They morphed into any other department that was part of the split plan. Muslim
communalism is aimed at undermining the Congress and the national movement. The division of
Bengal became a premeditated attack on the Indian National Movement. Curzon is the Bengal
partition's successor and adversarial planner. He claimed that the department isn't always fair
when it comes to public opinion.
As a result of Bengal Terrorism or Political Assassination, administrative advantages, and
finally, socioeconomic progress for Muslims, Bengal was separated into independence states.

Picture: Whole India

Picture: The decision of Bengal Partition in 1905 & The pain of Partition
ANALYSIS
Bengal Terrorism or Political Assassination
Only political assassination had been the first and major goal of the partition.East Bengal became
dominated by Muslims, while West Bengal was ruled by Hindus.Pakistan has become a Muslim
republic, while India has become a predominantly Hindu yet secular one.Muhammad Ali Jinnah
took over as the main spokesperson for the partition.Essentially, it evolved into Lord Curzon's
mental sport.
Before leaving India, the British attempted to incite Hindus and Muslims to fight.Their goal was
to destabilize India, thus they developed a divide-and-rule policy among Hindus and Muslims
before fleeing the country.Because they recognized that if all of India unified, they would be able
to go further and achieve greater success than the other countries. The British authorities were
shaken, but they moved quickly. Political assassination was used when all other ways of
protesting failed. Separate elections for Muslims and Hindus were instituted in 1909. Previously,
many people from all walks of life have called for all Bengalis to unite as one nation. With
different electorates, amazing political organizations arose, each with its own unique political
objective. Muslims, too, dominated the legislature, thanks to their enormous population of over
twenty to twenty-eight million people. The split was opposed by Congress leader Gokhte.
Muslims quit Congress after the first partition and founded the Muslim League with its elites. By
establishing a large number of new posts in the provincial and subordinate services, the new
provincial government gained the hearts of Bengali Muslims. They also nominated Nawab
Salimullah to rule Dhaka, and he was the one who founded the 'Muslim League' to aid Muslims.
Muslims began to call for the establishment of sovereign Muslim states. Following the
foundation of the international locations India and Pakistan, Bengal was partitioned for the
second time in 1947 as part of the Partition of India. East Bengal became East Pakistan in 1947,
and Bangladesh became an independent country in 1971. To summarize, the partition became
political since the British wanted to separate the states for Indians before leaving India.
Picture: Lord Curzon with Nawab Salimullah Picture: During divide and rule policy

Administrative Advantages:
Second, their administrative concerns became a strong motivator. First and foremost, the official
reason for the division was that the Bengal province had grown too large to be controlled by a
single governor, and as a result, it was partitioned for administrative purposes. Bengal grew to be
too big to contain. As a result, maintaining the most effective administrative division for all of
India became a little more challenging. On the other side, if we can see the Dacca portion, we
should notice that the people in the area have been deprived of their rights. As a result, they
decided to split up, with Lord Curzon announcing the separation first. Furthermore, a sense of
deprivation began to creep in. Perhaps the sense of deprivation was manufactured. When
dissatisfaction grew at the turn of the century, the British took advantage of the feeling of
scarcity. Suddenly, each group becomes aware of their spiritual selves. The split of Bengal is the
end effect of the internet. It is only a matter of time before the Seat of Partition heals. The major
promoter of a reduction in the size of Bengal appears to have been A.H.L. Fraser, who initially
informed Curzon of the boundary proposals, according to the Daily Star story.

Picture: The old Curzon Hall


His opinions are extremely important because his objective was to divide Bengal in order to
more easily dominate it, as many people feared but never proved. This is especially significant
because Curzon regarded Fraser's opinions highly and appointed him Lieutenant Governor of
Bengal in 1903. However, the political motivation must be viewed in its right context. It does not
appear to have weighed as much as the administrative and economic arguments for the partition
in any official or private consultations. To sum up, it may be said that the executive purpose
influenced the separation of states.
Socio Economic Development For Muslims:
Finally, the most important reason Muslims began to call for the establishment of independent
nations for Muslims, in which their hobbies could be incorporated, was that Muslims had no
longer been given the correct rights, and Hindus were in a higher financial and professional
position than Muslims.They demand social and economic progress.To begin with, the Muslim no
longer had the same rights as the rest of the population.A number of Muslims' privileges were
not extended to Hindus.Muslims were enraged by this. In terms of financial level, expert
qualities, and other factors, Hindus have outperformed Muslims. Furthermore, during the pre-
Sepoy Mutiny period, a significant number of Hindu investors aided the British, although their
Muslim counterparts did not. Hindus have been in higher positions than Muslims because they
have been economically stable and have been awarded executive posts and professional
certification. Fundamental rights were taken away from Muslims. Their progression was not
shown. If the separation had been maintained, they would have profited economically and job
possibilities would have been established. As a result, the Muslims asked to be split and establish
their own independent state.

Picture:Bangali Muslims

Picture: Bengal Presidency


If they're separated, they might end up being educated. Again, their financial conditions may be
improved to the greatest extent possible. They've earned their certification. On the other side, the
hindus initially opposed the partition for a variety of reasons. However, they reasoned that if
Bengal was divided, the Muslims would have a new capital and would be on an equal footing
with them. They feared losing economic clout if tea and jute shipments were to pass through
Chittagong's port. As a result, the hindus began to protest. Campaigns, petitions, meetings, and
conferences, as well as other traditional protest measures, were ineffective. As a result, they
devised new plans and refused to accept the divide. Muslims, on the other hand, desired to
establish their own country in order to obtain adequate recognition of their rights. To summarize,
Muslims began to advocate for the creation of independent governments for Muslims, in which
their interests could be represented, because Muslims had not been granted the required rights,
and Hindus had a better economic reputation and professional functions than Muslims.
Picture:Victoria Memorial in Kolkata

Impacts of Bengal partition:


1. A Muslim league is formed as a result of the partition of Bengal.
2. Following the construction of the major fortifications, Dhaka became the capital of Eastern
Bengal, and various magnificent houses, such as the Governor's Residence and Curzon Hall,
were built.
3. Hindus and Muslims have devolved into straightforward political groups. In Eastern Bengal
and Assam, Muslims have a clear majority, whereas Hindus have a stronghold in Western
Bengal.

Picture:All India Muslim League 1906

Khilafat Movement:
It became a massive Islamic movement in India during the British administration (1919-1924).
This became an attempt to bring the Indian Muslim community together. They spread the
Khilafat Movement throughout North India under the leadership of renowned Muslim leaders,
the most notable of whom was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. This initiative, which was intended
at the British administration, was aided by Mahatma Gandhi, who linked it to his Non-
Cooperation Movement. The primary purpose of this pass was to recruit the Muslim network's
assistance in his motion, which addressed the 'Swaraj' problem (Self-Government).
Picture: Khilafat Movement (1919-1922)
By the mid-1920s, the Khilafat leaders were convinced that Gandhi's nonviolent techniques
would get complete support, facilitating the establishment of a united front of Hindus and
Muslims against the British administration. This combined strain created a fundamental threat to
British rule. The Khilafat Movement is still going strong, but it isn't going to last forever.
Mahatma Gandhi referred to his Non Cooperation Movement as a result of a few violent
occurrences that resulted in the deaths of many Indian and British people. This was a major
setback for the Khilafat Movement.
The Lahore Resolution:
It became a legitimate political pronouncement issued by the All-India Muslim League and
delivered by A.K. Fazlul Huq, Bengal's Prime Minister. On March 22-24, 1940, a three-day
public consultation was held in Lahore. Separate states for Hindus and Muslims were mentioned.
For Muslims, the northwestern aspect is important, while for Hindus, the eastern part is
important. The Muslim League agreed to the proposal that the United States of America be
partitioned later in accordance with Zinnah's state model. However, Congress is opposed to it.

Picture:The Team Of Lahore Resolutions


On August 16, 1946, known as 'Direct Action Day,' the Muslim League organized a popular
strike to protest Congress's stance. Later, it was revealed to be a massive mass murder known as
the 'Great Kolkata Riot.' A total of over 4000 persons were killed. It lasted for four days in a row.
This concept was proposed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who stated that British India may be
separated based on the majority of Hindus and Muslims. He suggested 'Independent States' for
Muslims in the northwestern part of British India and Hindus in the east. Pakistan and India were
given independence on the 14th and 15th of August, 1947, respectively, based entirely on this.

Picture: The Resolutions

CONCLUSION:
To sum it up. The prior conversation has led to a number of conclusions. The British left the
impression that the partition was motivated by a dark political motive. Even if there was one, the
1903 plan may no longer have achieved its principal political purpose. Second, on administrative
considerations alone, the 1905 design is reasonable and understandable. Third, Bengali politics
were so stagnant prior to 1903 that the British had little need to try to separate Bengalis
politically. However, the ferocity with which the agitation was carried out in 1903 and 1904
warned that partition would almost certainly have a political benefit. Fourth, it no longer appears
that the political purpose was community, as many people would like to believe.

Picture: The Muslims moved to East Pakistan.


Bengali politicians, who are largely Hindu, were to be distributed around regions as a political
cause. Muslims have always been economically vulnerable, and this has been an unfortunate
reality of Bengali life. Last but not least, the real outcome of the partition was the emergence of
communalism. The bulk of hindus initially had no reaction to the division. The hindus, on the
other hand, did not want the division for the sake of their rights. The Muslims, on the other hand,
wanted the party because they were denied their basic necessities and rights. As a result, the
Bengal became divided into independent states, which were crucial for the Muslims due to the
truth of political concerns, administrative advantages, and, eventually, socio-economic progress.
Picture: Shifted people one state to another state by walking due to partition

REFERENCE:
1.Gandhi.M.Brainyqoute.com.https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mahatma_gandhi_717889
2.Bengalpartition.com. Partition of Bengal. https://bengalpartition.tripod.com/
3.Quotes. The famous people. Com.

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