Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 164

He proposed the Partition of Bengal in 1905.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline and the colonial administration during the early 20th century.

Correct Answer: B) Lord Curzon.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a pivotal event in the history of British India. It was proposed by Lord George Nathaniel Curzon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. The partition aimed to divide the province of Bengal into two parts: Eastern Bengal and Assam, and Western Bengal. The primary reason for this partition was to improve administrative efficiency, as the province of Bengal was considered too large and diverse to be effectively governed as a single unit.

Lord Curzon, a prominent figure in the British colonial administration, believed that the partition would help in better management of the region. However, the decision was met with strong opposition from the Indian population, particularly the Bengali intelligentsia and the Indian National Congress. The partition led to widespread protests and contributed significantly to the growth of the Indian nationalist movement. The partition was eventually annulled in 1911, but it left a lasting impact on the political and social landscape of India.

It is important to note that while Lord Curzon was the Viceroy of India during the time of the partition, other British officials such as Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, were not involved in this particular event. Lord Dalhousie is known for other significant administrative reforms and policies during his tenure, but the Partition of Bengal was not one of them.

Understanding the historical context and the specific roles of British officials during the colonial period is crucial for comprehending the events that shaped modern India. The Partition of Bengal is a prime example of how administrative decisions could have far-reaching political and social consequences, leading to significant changes in the course of Indian history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Lord Dalhousie was a significant figure in the British colonial administration, but he served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. The Partition of Bengal was proposed in 1905, long after his tenure, making this option incorrect.
  • Option B: Lord Curzon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, proposed the Partition of Bengal in 1905. This decision was aimed at improving administrative efficiency but led to significant political and social unrest, making this the correct option.
  • Option C: Since Lord Dalhousie did not propose the Partition of Bengal, this option is incorrect. The correct answer is Lord Curzon, who was the Viceroy of India at the time of the partition.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because Lord Curzon did propose the Partition of Bengal in 1905, making it a significant historical event during his tenure as the Viceroy of India.

Mnemonic: C for Curzon, C for Cut (Bengal)

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