UPSC Prelims 2010 Q52: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
- (a) Annulment of partition of Bengal
- (b) Boycott
- (c) National education
- (d) Swadeshi
Answer: (a) Annulment of partition of Bengal
Explanation
The 1906 Calcutta Congress resolutions and the 1907 Surat split
Four resolutions passed at the 1906 Calcutta session later became contentious, splitting Congress at Surat (1907).
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Annulment of the partition of Bengal | NOT one of the four | This was a widely shared grievance/demand, but it was not one of the four specific resolutions whose retention/rejection caused the Surat split |
| (b) Boycott | Was one of the four | Boycott (of British goods) was indeed one of the four contested resolutions |
| (c) National education | Was one of the four | National education was also one of the four resolutions |
| (d) Swadeshi | Was one of the four | Swadeshi (self-reliance/indigenous goods) was also among the four |
The four Calcutta 1906 resolutions:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resolutions | Swaraj (self-government), Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education |
| Not one of them | Annulment of Bengal's partition, though a related cause |
| Result | Moderate-Extremist split at Surat, 1907 |
Answer: (a) Annulment of partition of Bengal.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Annulment of Bengal's partition was a major demand of the era but was not one of the four specific 1906 Calcutta resolutions.
- (b) Incorrect. Boycott was indeed one of the four contested 1906 resolutions.
- (c) Incorrect. National education was also one of the four resolutions.
- (d) Incorrect. Swadeshi was also among the four resolutions.
Key point
The four 1906 Calcutta Congress resolutions were Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education — the Annulment of Bengal's partition, though a major related demand, was NOT one of these four.
Remember
1906 Calcutta Congress resolutions: Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education — NOT the annulment of Bengal's partition.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the Bengal partition annulment demand must be one of the formally passed 1906 resolutions.
- Not recalling the specific four resolutions: Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education.
- Confusing broader movement-era demands with the specific session resolutions that caused the Surat split.
Exam tip
1906 Calcutta Congress's four resolutions: Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education. Bengal partition annulment was a cause, not one of these four.
Sources
- NCERT — Modern Indian History, the Swadeshi Movement and the Surat split
- Indian National Congress — Report of the Twenty-second Indian National Congress, Calcutta (December 1906)