The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was one of the most controversial decisions taken by the British colonial government. It not only divided Bengal territorially but also gave rise to the Swadeshi Movement, which became a significant milestone in India’s freedom struggle.
Background
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Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, announced the partition of Bengal on October 16, 1905.
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Bengal was the largest province in British India, with a population of around 80 million. The British argued that the partition was for administrative convenience.
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In reality, the partition was aimed at weakening the growing nationalist movement by dividing Hindus and Muslims.
Partition of Bengal
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Bengal was divided into two provinces:
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East Bengal and Assam with Dhaka as its capital (majority Muslim population).
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West Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa with Calcutta as its capital (majority Hindu population).
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This division created resentment as it was seen as a deliberate attempt at communal politics — “Divide and Rule.”
Reaction to Partition
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Widespread protests, demonstrations, and meetings were organized across Bengal.
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Leaders like Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal, Rabindranath Tagore, and Aurobindo Ghosh strongly opposed the partition.
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People tied rakhi to one another, symbolizing unity among Hindus and Muslims.
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The slogan “Bande Mataram” became a rallying cry for the movement.
Swadeshi Movement (1905 onwards)
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The anti-partition agitation quickly transformed into the Swadeshi Movement.
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Indians boycotted British goods, institutions, and services.
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Promotion of indigenous industries, handloom textiles, and Swadeshi enterprises became central.
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Students participated actively by boycotting schools and colleges run by the government.
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National education institutions were set up, such as the National Council of Education in Bengal.
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Leaders of the movement included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh (Lal-Bal-Pal).
Impact of the Swadeshi Movement
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Spread nationalist ideas beyond Bengal to other parts of India.
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Gave rise to the spirit of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar) and economic nationalism.
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Strengthened the Extremist faction of the Indian National Congress against the Moderates.
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Encouraged participation of students, women, and common people in political activities.
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The partition was annulled in 1911 due to widespread opposition, though Bengal was divided again on linguistic lines later.
Key Takeaway
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 exposed the divisive policies of the British. The Swadeshi Movement that followed marked the first great mass movement against colonial rule, emphasizing boycott, self-reliance, and national unity. It became a turning point in India’s struggle for independence and laid the foundation for more assertive forms of nationalism in the years ahead.