Modern Indian History: Bengal Partition & Surat Split (1905-1907)
The period of Modern Indian History from 1905 to 1907 witnessed pivotal events that significantly shaped India's nationalist movement. Key among these were the controversial Bengal Partition, enacted by Lord Curzon to weaken nationalist activities, and the subsequent Surat Split within the Indian National Congress, dividing moderates and extremists. These events fueled widespread anti-partition movements, fostering national unity and laying groundwork for future independence efforts.
Key Takeaways
Bengal Partition aimed to weaken nationalist activities and divide the population.
The Swadeshi Movement emerged as a powerful response to the partition of Bengal.
The Surat Split formally divided the Indian National Congress into Moderates and Extremists.
Nationalist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak advocated for Swaraj and direct action.
The period saw significant cultural and political awakening across various regions.
Why was Bengal partitioned in 1905?
Bengal was partitioned in 1905 by Lord Curzon, then Viceroy of India, under the stated reason of administrative convenience due to its vast size and population. However, the actual underlying motive was to weaken the burgeoning nationalist activities concentrated in Bengal by dividing the region along communal lines. This strategic move aimed to curb political unrest and undermine the unity of the Indian population, particularly the educated Bengali middle class who were at the forefront of the nationalist movement. The partition created two new provinces: West Bengal, predominantly Hindu, and East Bengal, with a Muslim majority, sparking widespread protests and igniting the Swadeshi Movement.
- Lord Curzon's Viceroyalty (1899-1905): His tenure saw controversial acts like the Calcutta Corporation Act (1899), Official Secrets Act (1904), and Indian University Act (1904), preceding the partition.
- Bengal Region: Constituted a significant one-fourth of British India, later divided into distinct regions with specific area, population, and education ratios.
- Reasons for Partition: Stated as administrative convenience, the actual motive was to weaken Bengal's nationalist activities and divide the population.
- Impact of Partition: Divided Bengal into Hindu-majority West Bengal (including Odisha, Bihar) and Muslim-majority East Bengal (Assam, Bangladesh), launching the Swadeshi Movement.
- Congress Response: The 1905 Benaras Session (G.K. Gokhale) approved the Anti-Partition/Swadeshi Movement and boycott of foreign goods; the 1906 Calcutta Session (Dadabhai Naoroji) adopted Swaraj as a goal.
What led to the Surat Split in 1907?
The Surat Split of 1907 marked a significant ideological division within the Indian National Congress, primarily between the Moderates and the Extremists. This schism arose from fundamental differences in their approach to achieving self-rule and responding to British policies, particularly concerning the Swadeshi Movement. Moderates favored constitutional methods, petitions, and negotiations, believing in gradual reforms, while Extremists advocated for more assertive methods like boycotts, mass agitation, and direct action to achieve Swaraj. The growing divergence in their strategies and leadership aspirations ultimately culminated in the formal split at the Surat session, weakening the nationalist movement temporarily.
- Moderates: Leaders like S.N. Banerjee, K.K. Mitra, and G.K. Gokhale used petitions, newspapers, and pamphlets, seeking reforms through constitutional means.
- Extremists: Figures like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh advocated Swaraj, direct action, and mass mobilization.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak ('Lokmanya'): Organized Ganpati and Shivaji Festivals, dubbed 'Father of Indian Unrest,' and published Maratha (English) and Kesari (Marathi) newspapers.
- Rash Behari Ghosh's Role in Surat Split: Presided over the Surat session, where irreconcilable differences led to the formal division of the Congress.
How did the Anti-Partition Movement manifest?
The Anti-Partition Movement manifested through a diverse range of activities, demonstrating widespread public discontent against the division of Bengal. It involved extensive use of nationalist newspapers to spread awareness and mobilize public opinion, alongside powerful symbolic actions that fostered a sense of unity and national identity. Regional leaders played crucial roles in extending the movement's reach beyond Bengal, ensuring its pan-Indian character. While the movement garnered significant support from various sections of society, the Muslim response was notably varied, with some sections not supporting the anti-partition efforts, leading to the formation of the Muslim League. The British responded with a 'Carrot and Stick' policy, combining concessions with repression.
- Newspapers: Publications like Hitabadi (Dwijendranath Tagore), Sanjibani (Krishna Kumar Mitra), and Bengalee (Surendranath Banerjee/Girish Chandra Ghosh) were crucial for spreading nationalist ideas and mobilizing public support.
- Symbolic Actions: Included Rakhi-tying for unity, patriotic songs like Amar Sonar Bangla by Rabindranath Tagore, and the widespread, though banned, singing of Vande Mataram.
- Regional Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Poona & Bombay), Sayed Haider Raza (Delhi), Chidambaram Pillai (Madras), and Lala Lajpat Rai (Punjab) ensured national spread.
- Muslim Response: Lack of widespread support among some sections led to the formation of the All-India Muslim League on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka, by Nawab Salimullah and Aga Khan.
- British Response: Employed a 'Carrot and Stick' model, combining repressive measures against agitators with limited constitutional reforms.
- Abanindranath Tagore: Painted Bharat Mata (1905), symbolizing the nation, and became Principal Artist at the Indian School of Oriental Art (1907).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary reason for the Bengal Partition in 1905?
The primary reason for the Bengal Partition was to weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal by dividing the region along communal lines. While administrative convenience was cited, the true intent was political suppression and to curb unity among the Indian population.
What was the main outcome of the Surat Split in 1907?
The Surat Split resulted in the formal division of the Indian National Congress into two factions: the Moderates and the Extremists. This split arose from fundamental differences in their ideologies and methods for achieving self-rule, temporarily weakening the nationalist movement's unified front.
How did the Swadeshi Movement contribute to the anti-partition efforts?
The Swadeshi Movement was a direct response to the Bengal Partition, promoting self-reliance and the boycott of foreign goods. It fostered national unity, encouraged indigenous industries, and mobilized widespread public participation through various symbolic actions and protests, significantly strengthening the anti-British sentiment.
