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Old Monday, January 12, 2015
arshia22 arshia22 is offline
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Question

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Originally Posted by exclusively View Post
Is it reply to my approach or drfaisal985? and I think drfaisal985 will better guide you more than I do,, best of luck!
Can you please check this and see if there's any improvement??

What were the conditions which necessitated the Partition? What was the reaction of the Hindus and Muslims?

Introduction: The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a monumental decision taken by the British, who were unaware of what effects it could possibly bring. Done primarily for certain geographical reasons, the Partition resulted in a string of reactions from Hindus and Muslims which were of complete opposite nature.

Conditions that necessitated the Partition:

Geography and Populace: The chief cause that led to the partition relates to its geographical composition. As a province, Bengal covered an area of 18,900 sq. miles and was a host to over 80 million population. Such a vast province which harboured an extensive number of persons basically indicated that the area was difficult to govern and supervise. Hence the British made the decision to partition the land in order to exercise better control over Bengal.

Communication Issue: While governance and supervision was the prime problem, the province of Bengal also nurtured extensive communication concerns. It was difficult to communicate from one corner of the province to the other far off corner of the province. This caused issues not only for the governmental management but also the police and the general masses who could not communicate effectively, expect via onerous travelling.

Disaster Managements:
Another reason that necessitated the Partition was the fact that Bengal, being prone to regular floods and rains, could not be effectively managed during times when these natural disasters struck. Principally, the vast geographical area coupled with the communication defects, enhanced the problems further as necessary remedial steps could not be taken as soon as possible.

Disparity between Hindus and Muslims: Although it cannot be taken as a seemingly prima facie reason apparent to the British that led them to partition Bengal, it is still important to take into account that the disparity and inequality as regards economic and financial status among the Hindus and Muslims, resulted in the Partition in 1905. The British were aware of the deplorable conditions of the Muslims, who were exploited and ridiculed at the hands of the Hindus who considered themselves superior. Therefore, it may be inferred that the said Partition was thus a calculated move by the British to encourage local initiatives for progress and development. This led to the huge province being divided into 2 manageable sizes of East Bengal (Dacca, Assam, Kuala etc.) and West Bengal (Bihar and Orissa).

Reaction of Muslims: The Partition announced by Lord Curzon was welcomed by the Muslims as it meant that they will now be free from the cruel dominance of the Hindus. Once freed, the Muslims could now begin with their emancipation socially and economically. It meant that now the Muslims were now on an equal footing with the Hindus, and by aligning themselves, they could give them tough competition.

Reaction of Hindus: Envious of Muslim’s liberation, the Hindus took Partition as a severe blow to their exclusive hold on economic, social and political life. As a result, they soon began with the Swadeshi Movement, which called for boycott of British goods at all levels, with the aim of harming the British’s economic status. With their discontent apparent in the Hindu Press, the Hindus continued to call for the annulment of the Partition via putting pressure on Lord Hardinge (the then Governor General). In view of their incessant pressure and non-cooperative attitude, the British ultimately succumbed to the demand and in 1911, on visit to Delhi Darbar, King George V annulled the partition altogether.

Consequence of Annulment: Aggrieved, betrayed and shattered, the Muslims took the annulment as a promise by the British which was ultimately not upheld. It made them realise that the Hindu influenced Congress party turned a blind eye to their communal rights and interests, and led them to move towards the formation of a separate political organization.

Conclusion: The Partition of Bengal was carried out for reasons that were based on geographical, governmental and developmental needs. While it greatly favoured the Indian Muslims, the persistent calls for annulment from the Hindus consequently persuaded the British to favour them over Hindus, and re instate the pre partition composition of Bengal.
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