Which British official was responsible for the partition of Bengal in 1905?

The Correct answer is Lord Curzon.

Key Points

• Lord Curzon served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905.
• He was responsible for the partition of Bengal in 1905, a major event in India's colonial history.
• The partition was carried out under the pretext of administrative efficiency, as Bengal was deemed too large to govern effectively.
• However, the real intent behind the partition was to weaken nationalist movements by dividing Bengal along religious lines—separating Hindus and Muslims.
• The partition led to widespread protests and marked the emergence of the Swadeshi Movement, which advocated for boycotting British goods and promoting Indian-made products.
• Due to strong opposition, the partition was later annulled in 1911.
• Lord Curzon is also known for introducing various reforms in India, such as the University Act of 1904 and the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.

Additional Information

• Lord Minto
  • Lord Minto served as the Viceroy of India from 1905 to 1910.
  • He is known for the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which introduced elements of representative government in India.
  • The reforms included the provision for separate electorates for Muslims, which had a long-lasting impact on Indian politics.
• Lord Ripon
  • Lord Ripon served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884.
  • He is known as the Father of Local Self-Government in India.
  • Lord Ripon introduced the Ilbert Bill, which aimed to allow Indian judges to preside over cases involving Europeans, but faced strong opposition from European settlers.
• Lord Lytton
  • Lord Lytton served as the Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880.
  • He is infamous for his policies during the Great Famine of 1876–78, where millions perished due to inadequate relief measures.
  • Lord Lytton organized the Delhi Durbar in 1877 to proclaim Queen Victoria as the Empress of India.