Understanding the Partition of Bengal

The question asks about the British Viceroy in India who was responsible for carrying out the partition of Bengal. This event was a significant administrative and political move during the British Raj, leading to widespread protest and political unrest.

The partition of Bengal took place in 1905. The stated reason by the British government was to improve administrative efficiency in the large and populous Bengal presidency. However, many viewed it as a deliberate attempt to divide the Bengali people along religious lines (Hindus in the west and Muslims in the east) to weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal.

Identifying the Viceroy Responsible

Let's look at the options provided and the Viceroy who was in power when the partition of Bengal occurred:

• Lord Canning: Served as Viceroy during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown. His tenure was much earlier than 1905.
• Lord Lytton: Served as Viceroy in the late 1870s. His tenure is known for events like the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the Vernacular Press Act.
• Lord Dalhousie: Served as Governor-General (before the title Viceroy became common practice after 1857) in the 1840s and 1850s. He is known for the Doctrine of Lapse and annexations. His period was also much earlier than 1905.
• Lord Curzon: Served as Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. His tenure is marked by various administrative reforms and controversial policies, including the partition of Bengal in 1905.

Based on the historical timeline, the Viceroy during the partition of Bengal in 1905 was Lord Curzon.

The Impact of the Partition of Bengal

The partition of Bengal led to the Swadeshi movement, a massive protest involving boycotting British goods and promoting Indian-made products. It was a major phase in the Indian independence movement. The partition was eventually annulled in 1911 due to the intense protests and opposition.

Conclusion on the Partition of Bengal Viceroy

Examining the tenures and key actions of the Viceroys listed, it is clear that Lord Curzon was the British Viceroy who carried out the partition of Bengal in 1905. This act significantly influenced the course of the nationalist movement in India.

Revision Table: Key Viceroys and Events

Additional Information: Context of Partition of Bengal

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 divided the Bengal Presidency into two provinces: Bengal (including Western Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa) and Eastern Bengal and Assam. Lord Curzon's stated reason was administrative efficiency, citing the large size of Bengal. However, critics argued it was a strategy of 'divide and rule' to create a Hindu-majority province and a Muslim-majority province, thus weakening the political unity and growing nationalism among Bengalis. The widespread opposition led by nationalist leaders eventually forced the British government to annul the partition in 1911, when Bengal was reunited, but Bihar and Orissa were separated to form new provinces, and Assam became a separate province.