Part of: West Bengal Gk set 19

When was the partition of Bengal annulled?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the political context of British India in the early 20th century.

Correct Answer: C) 1911

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The partition of Bengal was a significant event in the history of British India, initiated by Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1905. The partition aimed to divide the province of Bengal into two separate entities: Eastern Bengal and Assam, and Western Bengal. This decision was made with the intention of improving administrative efficiency and addressing the growing influence of the Indian National Movement in Bengal. However, the partition led to widespread protests and unrest, as it was seen as an attempt to divide the Bengali-speaking population and weaken the nationalist movement.

The Indian National Movement, led by prominent figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, organized mass protests and strikes against the partition. The movement gained momentum, and the British government faced increasing pressure to reconsider the decision. In response to the growing unrest and the political climate, the British government decided to annul the partition of Bengal in 1911.

The annulment of the partition was announced by the British government during the Delhi Durbar of 1911, which was a grand imperial event held to celebrate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India. The decision to annul the partition was seen as a significant victory for the Indian National Movement and marked a turning point in the relationship between the British colonial government and the Indian people.

Understanding the historical context of the partition and its annulment is crucial for comprehending the political and social dynamics of British India in the early 20th century. The partition of Bengal and its subsequent annulment highlight the growing strength of the Indian National Movement and the impact of mass protests and political mobilization on colonial policies.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The partition of Bengal was initiated in 1905, not annulled. The year 1905 marks the beginning of the partition, which led to significant unrest and protests in Bengal.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The year 1907 does not mark the annulment of the partition of Bengal. The protests and political movements against the partition continued, but the actual annulment happened later.
  • Option C: This option is correct. The partition of Bengal was annulled in 1911. The decision to annul the partition was made by the British government in response to the widespread protests and the Indian National Movement's efforts to unite Bengal.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The partition of Bengal was indeed annulled, and the correct year is 1911, not "None of the above."

Mnemonic: Remember the year 1911 as the year when the partition was annulled, coinciding with the Delhi Durbar.

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