PARTITION OF BENGAL, 1905


 Reasons for Partition

· Largest Province in area, difficult to govern as one unit e.g: communication

· Largest Population, Bigger than entire British population.

· British Muslims relationship had detoriated since 1857, partition to improve relations

· Hindus were becoming stronger in Bengal especially with the help of congress

· East Bengal was in weak economic condition, this could be improved (Chittagong seaport, infrastructure, Jute Mill/industrial setup)

· Bal Gangadhar Tilak of Poona ignited Hindu Nationalism, this needed countering

· In 1870’s, many secret societies sprung up against British, 1897 British officer assassinated. Partition to reduce Hindu power

 Reasons for reversal:

 · Lord Minto assassination attempt - British feared for officer’s lives

· Swadeshi movement crippled British economy

· Congress, largest political party in India supported reversal

 

 SIMLA DEPUTATION, 1906

 Reasons:

 

 · Hindus protested, Muslims too few to match protest - reversal thus likely

· Congress worked primarily for Hindu interests (to protect Political Rights)

· Hindus demanded Hindi be made national language instead of Urdu (to protect cultural rights

· Extremist Groups like Arya Samaj did militant activities, converted Non hindus. (to protect religious rights)

· New Liberal Government in India was willing to give India elected seats in the council

 

Importance:

 · British Acceptance of Separate Electorates = Trying to work with Muslims and improve relations

· Acceptance of Separate Electorates, gulf between two communities grew, couldn’t live together, two nation theory strong.

· Success of this made Muslims realize their political strengths. Wanted their demands to be accepted.

MORLEY MINTO REFORMS – 1909

 Reasons for Congress’s opposition of these reforms:

  · Number of Indians in councils was increased, but only had advisory role

· Acceptance of Muslim demand of separate electorates was disliked

· Muslims were given extra seats and more political status

· Congress expected partition of Bengal reversal to happen in these reforms

 

 

WAR YEARS 1914-1918

 Mixed views during WW1

 

 · Pro British sympathized because attack on British was indirect attack on India since British Empire part

· Others thought that they would get concessions if they fight for British

· Some Anti-British thought British wouldn’t give concessions easily, pressurized British for self rule through activities e.g: Lala Hardayal, Mutiny Party

· British Fought WW1 against Turkey, made muslims hesitate against fellow Muslim

 

 LUCKNOW PACT – 1906

 Reasons why it was signed:

 (Points of improved relations 1911-1914) ~

 · To achieve common aims and pressurize British Policy of Repression against Indians, worried Congress and League

· Jinnah, member of Congress and League was a believer in their unity and convinced them to hold sessions together for Indian’s sake.

· British deliberately leaked/let it known that there were going to make reforms, Indians wanted to let their demands be known

 

Why it was important:

 -  Congress agreed to demands of separate electorate. Congress willing to support muslims Congress agreed to extra seats, gave Muslims more seats than population

-  Congress agreed to no law affecting the community being passed until 3 quarters supported it – showing support for minorities

 

ROWLATT ACT - 1919

 · Introduced to counter nationalism. Indians could be arrested without warrant, detention without bail, govt could tell people where to live. Unfair rights, both Communities opposed this, thus closer. Jinnah left imperial legislative council; Gandhi launched Hartal.

 

 AMRITSAR MASSACRE – 1919

 · General Reginald Dyer fired upon a peaceful protest in Jalianwala bagh, 1600 rounds fired.

 1200 injured, 400 killed. Hunter’s committee to set up to investigate his actions.

· Gave Hindus and Muslims a common enemy against the British thus united, both denounced them.