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Partition of Bengal in 1905

The partition of Bengal in 1905 acted as a catalyst for the growth of radicalism within the Indian National Movement. This significant event, which took place on October 16, 1905, triggered widespread protest meetings across Bengal, marking a pivotal moment in the region's political landscape.

• Following the partition, Bengal witnessed a transformative period in its political history, with the emergence of the anti-partition movement.
• Protests and demonstrations became a common sight as the people of Bengal voiced their opposition to the partition through various means.
• One of the outcomes of this resistance was the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement, a nationalistic campaign that aimed at promoting indigenous goods and industries.
• Not confined to Bengal alone, the fervor of the anti-partition movement and the Swadeshi Movement soon spread to other parts of India, uniting people in a common cause.
• At the helm of affairs during the Partition of Bengal was Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India at that time, whose decision sparked a wave of political activism and nationalist fervor.

Significance of the Partition of Bengal

The division of Bengal not only altered the socio-political landscape of the region but also had far-reaching consequences that reverberated throughout India:

• The events surrounding the partition led to a paradigm shift in the political consciousness of the people of Bengal, prompting them to actively engage in resistance against British colonial policies.
• The anti-partition movement served as a precursor to more extensive nationalist movements, such as the Swadeshi Movement, which advocated for self-reliance and the promotion of indigenous industries.

Impact on Indian Nationalism

The aftermath of the Partition of Bengal had a profound impact on the trajectory of Indian nationalism:

• It fueled a sense of unity and solidarity among Indians, transcending regional boundaries and fostering a shared sense of national identity.
• The Swadeshi Movement, born out of the anti-partition protests, not only promoted economic self-sufficiency but also became a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression.

Swadeshi Movement 1905

• Partition of Bengal paved the way for the emergence of the Swadeshi Movement, which focused on an economic boycott.
• The term "Swadeshi" translates to "one's own country" and aimed at supporting native industries.
• Many individuals participating in the Swadeshi movement boycotted British goods, particularly textiles, in favor of indigenous products.
• Protesters gathered foreign clothes and publicly burnt them in city centers as a symbolic act of resistance.
• A significant number of young men abandoned their studies to join this movement, reflecting the widespread support it garnered.
• The adoption of the slogan "Vande Mataram" became a unifying call for the movement's supporters.
• In Southern India, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, also known as V.O.C., established the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company to facilitate trade between India and Ceylon.
• The Swadeshi Movement achieved considerable success, with even landlords in Bengal actively participating in the movement.
• Women and students engaged in picketing, with students refusing to use books made from foreign paper, showcasing their dedication to the cause.

Formation of the Muslim League – 1906

• Background: The establishment of the Indian National Congress instilled apprehension among the Muslim population.
• Need for Representation: A significant portion of educated Muslims recognized the necessity for a distinct organization to voice the concerns of the Muslim community.
• British Policy: Employing the tactic of "Divide and Rule," the British government acknowledged the demands of the Muslims for a separate platform.
• Formation of Muslim League: In 1906, the Muslim League was founded under the leadership of Salimullah Khan, the Nawab of Dacca, to safeguard the rights of Muslims.
• Objectives of the Muslim League: The primary aim of the Muslim League was to advocate for the interests of Muslims while maintaining loyalty to the British administration.

Surat Split of 1907

• Context: Calcutta Session of Congress, 1906
  • The more radical nationalists pressured Dadabhai Naoroji to advocate for Swaraj, a demand beyond the Moderates' scope, during the 1906 Calcutta Session of the Congress.
• Boycott and Swadeshi Resolutions
  • They endorsed the resolutions of Boycott and Swadeshi, prompting dissatisfaction among Moderate Congress members who preferred achieving Swaraj through constitutional means.
• Splits within the Congress
  • The differences in ideology culminated in a split within the Congress during the Surat session in 1907.
  • Conflict emerged during the election of the Congress President at the Surat Session in 1907, with Dr. Rash Behari Ghosh assuming the role, despite objections from extremists.
• Surat Session of 1907
  • During the 1907 Surat Session, the extremists pushed for two key objectives:
    • Demanding the attainment of Swaraj.
    • Advocating for Lala Lajpat Rai to be appointed as the President of the Indian National Congress.
  • The Extremist faction, led by Lal Bal Pal, clashed with the Moderate faction, led by Gopal Krishna Gokhle, resulting in the departure of the extremists, including Tilak, from the Congress.