PARTITION OF BENGAL

1905-1911
 Partition of Bengal in 1905 to 1911
Background:
• Before the battle of Plassey, Bengal was considered as the most
richest and fertile land under muslim administration but after
defeat Bengal fall under British control.
• There were difficulties in administering such a large area. The
eastern part, especially in rural areas were neglected.
• Lord Curzon proposed the partitioning of the province as an
administrative measure on 19 July 1905.
• As per Curzon, after the partition, the two provinces would be
Bengal (including modern West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar) and
Eastern Bengal and Assam.
• The partition took place on 16 October 1905.
Purpose:
• Administration issue.
Official reasons:
• Less administrative burden on government.
• Deal with femine and defence.
• Attend remote areas.
Partition Details:
• After the approval of partition, the Viceroy of India Mr. Lord Curzon
divided Bengal into two parts;
• 1. East Bengal
• 2. West Bengal
1. East Bengal: East Bengal was made up of the districts of Dhaka,
Assam, Dhaka served as the province's capital and was predominately
a Muslim province. Thus, Muslims converted from minority to
Majority in East Bengal due to Partition.
2. West Bengal: It was made up Bihar and Calcutta with the Population
of 54 Million. Thus, It became a Hindu Majority province.
Aftermath of partition
•   Eastern Bengal and Assam province would cover 1,06,540 sq.
mile.
•   Muslims and lower caste Hindus were pleased.
• Dhaka become the capital of East Bengal.
•   Formation of All India Muslim League in 1906.
•   Important buildings, High Court, Secretariate constructed in
Dhaka.
•   Development of communication and security.
•   Created new job/service opportunities.
•   Economic development.
•   Development in education sector.
Muslims’ Response
It received a favorable response from the Muslims.
The Muslims welcomed the Partition of Bengal for the following
reasons:
1. In the majority province of East Bengal the Muslims would be free
from Hindu dominance in economic field. They would get opportunities
of services and advancement of agriculture.
2. The city of Dhaka, where the Muslims were in majority was the
centre of Muslim culture. In Dacca Muslims had a great chance of
success for social and cultural advancement than in Calcutta. 
3. The Partition could result in political uplift and securing represent
action in the Government.
4.  The partition of Bengal relieved the Muslims from competing with
Hindus, who were more advanced in every field of life.
Hindus Response
The Hindus did not accept it, as it dealt a telling blow to their
monopolies and exclusive hold on economic, social, Political life of the
whole of Bengal. They called it as a deliberate attempt by British
Government
1.   The Partition of Bengal had brightened the possibility of betterment
of Muslims; while the Hindu landlords, capitalists and traders wanted
status and to continue the exploitation of the Muslims.
2.  Hindu lawyers also reacted to the partition of Bengal because they
thought that the new province would have its separate courts and thus
their practice would be affected.
3.  The Hindus launched Swadeshi Movement whose sole purpose was
to boycott of British goods.
• 1904-1906 was the critical time because at that time 3 political forces were
present.
1. Muslim leadership. (sir syed school of thought)
2. Congress.
3. British government.

Why partition of Bengal reversed in 1911?

• Economic reasons: boycott of British goods and Swadeshi Movement,
decline in demand of British products in Indian markets, import dropped,
profits of British traders ruined, local industries flourished, use of home
made-product increased.
• Surrender in front of products and demonstration, Law and order situation,
cult of bomb and terrorism developed, violence increased to most part of
India, attacks on British officials and their Indian associates.
PARTITION ANNULLED:
• When Lord Hardinage assumed charge as Governor General of India Hindus
again became active and sent a representation to him for the annulment of
partition of Bengal. He recommended the same to the British Prime Minister
for Indian Affairs. On the occasion of the visiting His Majesty George V on
12th December 1911 the partition of Bengal was cancelled. 
• The united Bengal was placed under a Governor and Assam was placed
under a Chief Commissioner. This decision was shattering blow to Muslims.
• New provinces were created based on linguistic lines rather than religious
lines. Bihar and Orissa Province was carved out of Bengal. (Bihar and Orissa
became separate provinces in 1936).
• The capital of British India was moved to Delhi from Calcutta in 1911.
• Despite the annulment, the partition did create a communal divide among
the Hindus and Muslims of Bengal.
 Presented by:
• Sibgha Yousaf
• Zamann Waheed
• Zainab Imran
• Ayesha Afzal
• Fariha Altaf