Which colonial administrator made the following declaration about the partition of Bengal in 1904? “Bengal united is a power. Bengal divided will pull in different ways. That is perfectly true and one of the merits of the scheme”
H. H. Risley
Understanding the Partition of Bengal (1905) and the Statement
The Partition of Bengal, which took place in 1905, was a significant administrative division of the Bengal Presidency carried out by the British Indian Empire. While officially cited as a measure to improve administrative efficiency in the large and populous region, it was widely seen as a strategic move to curb the growing nationalist movement in Bengal, which was a hotbed of political activity.
The question quotes a statement that explicitly reveals the political motivation behind the partition: “Bengal united is a power. Bengal divided will pull in different ways. That is perfectly true and one of the merits of the scheme”. This statement highlights the British administrators' view that a united Bengal posed a challenge to their authority, whereas a divided Bengal would weaken its political strength by creating divisions, primarily on religious and regional lines.
Identifying the Colonial Administrator: H. H. Risley
The statement provided was made by H. H. Risley, who was the Home Secretary to the Government of India at the time. He articulated this viewpoint as part of the official justification and rationale for the proposed partition plan. While Lord Curzon was the Viceroy who ultimately implemented the Partition of Bengal, Risley's statement is a candid expression of the strategic political objective behind the scheme.
| Colonial Administrator | Role/Context | Connection to Partition of Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Curzon | Viceroy of India (1899-1905) | Implemented the Partition of Bengal in 1905. |
| H. H. Risley | Home Secretary, Government of India | Made the famous statement quoted in the question, articulating the political rationale. |
| Lord Minto | Viceroy of India (1905-1910) | Succeeded Curzon; oversaw the immediate aftermath and consequences of the partition. |
| Sir Lancelot Hare | Served in Bengal administration | Was Lieutenant-Governor of the newly formed province of Eastern Bengal and Assam after partition. |
Significance of Risley's Statement on Bengal Partition
H. H. Risley's statement is crucial because it directly contradicts the public explanation given for the partition (administrative convenience). It reveals the underlying "divide and rule" policy, demonstrating that weakening the political power and unity of Bengal was a primary objective. The statement explicitly acknowledges that the 'merit' of the scheme lay in dividing a powerful united entity into fragmented parts that would not be able to exert the same level of influence or opposition to British rule.
Reaction to the Partition of Bengal
The Partition of Bengal led to widespread protests and the launch of the Swadeshi and Boycott movements. This demonstrates that the nationalist leaders and the public in Bengal understood the political implications behind the partition, as articulated by administrators like H. H. Risley.
Revision Table: Key Facts about Partition of Bengal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Partition | 1905 |
| Viceroy Responsible | Lord Curzon |
| Administrator quoted | H. H. Risley (Home Secretary) |
| Stated Reason | Administrative convenience |
| Actual Reason (as suggested by Risley's quote) | To weaken Bengali nationalism and unity |
| Provinces created |
|
| Major Movement Triggered | Swadeshi and Boycott Movements |
| Partition Annulled | 1911 |
Additional Information: The Context of the Partition of Bengal
The period leading up to the Partition of Bengal saw a significant rise in nationalist sentiments and political awakening in Bengal. Calcutta (now Kolkata) was the capital of British India and a major center of intellectual and political activity. The Indian National Congress was gaining ground, and Bengal was at the forefront of articulating national aspirations.
The decision to partition Bengal was met with strong opposition across Bengal and other parts of India. It solidified the resolve of the nationalists and led to innovative methods of protest, such as promoting indigenous goods (Swadeshi) and boycotting British products. The movement forced the British government to annul the partition in 1911, although Bengal was later reorganized on linguistic lines.
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