Earlier Bengal was the western part of Bangladesh. That is why the name West Bengal was given even if it lies in the eastern direction.

Introduction:

West Bengal is a state located in the eastern part of India, which might seem contradictory considering its name. However, there is a historical reason behind this nomenclature. Let's delve into the details to understand why West Bengal is called so.

Historical Context:

During the British colonial rule in India, Bengal was a province that consisted of present-day West Bengal, Bangladesh, and parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The capital of British India was located in Kolkata (then known as Calcutta), which became the center of administration and trade in the region.

Partition of Bengal:

In 1905, the British government decided to divide Bengal for administrative convenience. The province was split into two parts: Eastern Bengal and Assam, with its capital in Dhaka, and Western Bengal, with its capital in Kolkata. This partition was primarily driven by administrative and political reasons, as the British sought to better manage the vast territory and address growing nationalist sentiments in Bengal.

Anti-Partition Movement:

The partition of Bengal was met with strong opposition from the local population. The people of Bengal saw it as a strategy to divide and weaken their nationalist movement against British rule. The partition was also perceived as an attempt to create a communal divide between Hindus and Muslims, as Muslims formed the majority in Eastern Bengal while Hindus were in the majority in Western Bengal.

Reunification of Bengal:

The anti-partition movement gained momentum, and after a long struggle, the province of Bengal was reunified in 1911. This reunification marked the end of the existence of West Bengal as a separate administrative entity. However, the name "West Bengal" continued to be used for the western part of the erstwhile Bengal province, even after India gained independence in 1947.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while West Bengal is geographically situated in the eastern part of India, its name harks back to the historical division of Bengal during the British colonial era. The term "West Bengal" emerged from the administrative division created in 1905 and continued to be used even after Bengal was reunified in 1911. It is a reminder of the struggles and movements that shaped the region's history and the aspirations of its people.