In which year was the Partition of Bengal announced and what was the main objective behind it?
Answer
The Partition of Bengal was announced in 1905, and its main objective was to divide the province on communal lines to weaken the growing nationalist movement.
Step-by-step solution
- Recall the year when Lord Curzon announced the division of Bengal.
- The announcement was made in July 1905.
- Understand the British rationale: to split the large province into East and West Bengal, creating a Muslim-majority East to counterbalance the Hindu-majority West.
- Summarise the objective as a political strategy to weaken nationalist unity.
Common mistake: Giving 1904 as the year or stating the objective as administrative convenience rather than the British policy of 'divide and rule'.
Concept tested: Partition of Bengal 1905
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Related questions
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