Understanding the Partition of Bengal

The Partition of Bengal was a significant event in the history of British India. It was the separation of the large Bengal Presidency into two provinces: Eastern Bengal and Assam, and Bengal. This partition took effect in 1905.

Who Ordered the Partition of Bengal?

The order for the Partition of Bengal was given by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. His administration officially announced the partition plan in July 1905, and it was implemented in October of the same year.

The British government, under Lord Curzon, cited administrative reasons for the partition, claiming that the Bengal Presidency was too large to be efficiently managed. However, the actual motive was widely believed to be political, aiming to divide the Bengali population along religious lines (Hindu majority in the west and Muslim majority in the east) to weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal.

Impact of the Partition of Bengal

The Partition of Bengal led to widespread protests and opposition across India, particularly in Bengal. This event spurred the Swadeshi and Boycott movements, where Indians boycotted British goods and promoted indigenous industries as a form of protest against the partition and British rule.

The options provided are:

• Lord Curzon
• Lord Hastings
• Lord Cornwallis
• Lord William Bentinck

Based on historical records, it was Lord Curzon who ordered the Partition of Bengal in 1905.