GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Lord Curzon as Governor General

Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements. (UPSC GS1 Mains)

The time of Curzon's governorship (1899-1905), was the formative phase of Indian national movement. Thus he tried to strangulate Indian nationalism and freedom movement by all fair and foul means. A sharp reaction was created in the Indian mind by Curzon's seven-year rule in India which was full of missions, commissions and omissions.

Partition of Bengal 1905

• The Bengal had become too large to be administered as a single unit. To solve the problem, the Government partitioned Bengal on October 16, 1905 into two parts viz. Eastern Bengal and Assam and Rest of Bengal (Western Part). 
• But Curzon was not aware of its fallouts. It was different than dividing an American county for better administration. 
• The decision stirred the Bengali patriotism. Congress escalated the issue as government conspiracy to divide Bengal from Bengali and break India into pieces. 
• Further, it was also seen as an intrigue to divide Hindus and Muslims. 
• The Boycott and Swadeshi movement were the result of this emotive issue and through these movements, the Indian people made a unique innovative experiment by linking political opposition with society and culture. 
• People were aroused from slumber and now they learned to take bold political positions and participate in new forms of political work. 
• The partition of Bengal paved the way for the creation of Muslim League and sowed the seeds of Partition of India. 
• It also brought revolutionary nationalism to a climax and Bengal became the epicenter of revolutionary nationalism. 
• Partition was later annulled in 1911 but it changed Indian political scenario forever Famine of 1899.
• In 1899-1900, the areas of Agra, Oudh, Bengal, Central provinces, Central Provinces, Rajputana, Gujarat etc. came under the grip of a severe famine which claimed thousands of lives. 
• The British initiatives were also grossly inadequate because no intervention was done to control the grain prices. There was no humanitarian consideration in the relief measures • The Famine of 1899-1900 {Chappania Akal} played an important role to upsurge resentment against the colonial government.

Calcutta Corporation Act (1899)

• Through Calcutta Corporation act 1899 he reduced the number of elected legislatures to deprive Indians from self-governance. 
• This was a major setback for moderate Congress leaders and they started realising the actual imperialist nature of government.

Punjab Land Alienation Act 1900

• The Curzon Government enacted the Punjab Land Alienation Act of 1900 which placed a 15 year limitation on all land purchases and mortgages. 
• This act provided that the no non-peasant could buy lands from the peasants; and no one could attach the land for non-payment of debts. 
• But due to this, peasantry got into further problems because now they were unable to access credit. 
• Congress took it as an opportunity to criticize the government. It passed a resolution in the 1899 Lucknow session against these measures.

Indian Universities Act (1904)

• The Indian Universities and the colleges were slowly becoming a cradle of propaganda against the Government. To bring the universities under control, Lord Curzon appointed Raleigh Commission and according to this commission report passed Indian Universities Act 1904 
• The Indian Universities Act made the universities and colleges completely under the Government control. 
• The section of the students was very angry with this and they took part in the Swadeshi movement and became an integral part of India's freedom struggle. 
• However, for better education and research a grant of Rs. 5 Lakh per year for 5 years was also accepted. 
• This was the beginning of university grants in India which later became a permanent feature in the structure of India education.

The Indian Official Secrets Act, 1904

• The Indian Official Secrets Act, 1904 was enacted during the time of Lord Curzon and one of the main purposes of the Act was to muzzle the voice of nationalist publications. 
• It was seen as an attack on freedom of speech and expression. 
• Attack on TIBET 
  • Lord Curzon launched an attack upon Tibet and send a mission under young husband. 
  • The nationalistic leaders saw this attack motivated by commercial greed and territorial Aggrandizement.

Conclusion
He was a great imperialist, authoritarian in temperament, ruthless in his ways and wanted to achieve too much at too great pace. That is why his policy resulted in deep discontent and the upsurge of a revolutionary movement in the country and had long term implications on national movement.

Topics Covered - Lord Curzon Policy