UPSC Prelims 2009 Q60: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
In the context of the Indian freedom struggle, 16th October 1905 is well known
for which one of the following reasons?
- (a) The formal proclamation of Swadeshi Movement was made in Calcutta town hall
- (b) Partition of Bengal took effect
- (c) Dadabhai Naoroji declared that the goal of Indian National Congress was Swaraj
- (d) Lokmanya Tilak started Swadeshi Movement in Poona
Answer: (b) Partition of Bengal took effect
Explanation
Why October 16, 1905 is significant
This specific date marks a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the Swadeshi Movement.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Formal proclamation of Swadeshi Movement in Calcutta Town Hall | Incorrect | This is a related but separate event, not specifically tied to this exact date |
| (b) Partition of Bengal took effect | Correct | 16th October 1905 is the date the Partition of Bengal officially came into effect, triggering widespread protest and the Swadeshi Movement |
| (c) Dadabhai Naoroji declared Swaraj as Congress's goal | Incorrect | This is a separate, later historical milestone (1906 Calcutta session), not this date |
| (d) Tilak started Swadeshi Movement in Poona | Incorrect | Tilak's regional activities are a separate development, not tied to this specific date |
October 16, 1905 facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Partition of Bengal took effect |
| Consequence | Sparked the Swadeshi Movement |
Answer: (b) Partition of Bengal took effect.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The formal Swadeshi proclamation is a related but separate event from this exact date.
- (b) CORRECT. 16th October 1905 is specifically the date the Partition of Bengal took effect.
- (c) Incorrect. Naoroji's Swaraj declaration came at the later 1906 Calcutta session, not this date.
- (d) Incorrect. Tilak's Poona activities are a separate regional development.
Key point
16th October 1905 is the date the Partition of Bengal officially took effect, triggering the Swadeshi Movement.
Remember
16th October 1905: the Partition of Bengal took effect.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this exact implementation date with the related but separate formal Swadeshi proclamation event.
- Mixing up this date with the 1906 Calcutta session's Swaraj declaration.
- Not pinning down the specific significance of October 16, 1905 precisely.
Exam tip
16th October 1905 = the day the Partition of Bengal took effect, the direct trigger for the Swadeshi Movement.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- Sumit Sarkar — The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, 1903–1908 (People's Publishing House, 1973)