Introduction of Bengal Partition

• Plan in 1903: Created by Lord Curzon.
• Implemented in 1905: Dhaka, Chittagong, and Mymensingh were merged with Assam to form a new province 'East Bengal'.

Reasons for Bengal Partition

1. Administrative Issue

• Dense Population: There were 85 million people in Bengal, making administration difficult.
• Utility: Creating two provinces would ease administrative tasks.

2. To Provide Relief to Muslims

• Improvement in Relations After 1857: Attempts to improve relations between British and Muslims through efforts by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
• East Bengal: A Muslim majority area, giving them administrative control.

3. To Break Hindu Power

• British Fear: Hindus could control Bengal and drive the British out.
• Partition of Bengal: To balance power between Hindus and Muslims.

4. Equal Development

• West Bengal More Developed: Income from East Bengal used for the development of West Bengal.
• Proper Development: Partition to ensure equal development of both areas.

5. Cultural and Linguistic Differences

• Multicultural Issues: Partition to deal with issues arising from different cultures and languages.

Consequences of Bengal Partition

• Muslim Satisfaction: The Muslim community was pleased with the partition.
• Hindu Discontent: Protest from the Hindu community, including both extremists and liberals.
• Swadeshi Movement: Boycott of British goods, leading to economic loss for the British.

British Response

• Press Act 1908: Tried to control media and suppress dissent.
• Ban on Public Gatherings: Prohibition on protest meetings.
• Morley-Minto Reforms: Announcement of political reforms to appease Hindus.

Reversal of Bengal Partition

• Reversal in 1911: Revoked due to Hindu protests, Swadeshi movement, and attack on Lord Minto.
• Impact on British Trade: Loss in trade prompted the British to revoke the partition.

Success and Failure

• Success: Some administrative benefits for the British due to the partition.
• Failure: Reversal due to Hindu protests and economic losses.

Ultimately, the reversal of Bengal's partition was crucial to appease the Hindu majority.