UPSC Prelims 2014 Q81: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until
- (a) the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended
- (b) King George V abrogated Curzon's Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911
- (c) Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement
- (d) the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan
Answer: (b) King George V abrogated Curzon's Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911
Explanation
End of the Partition of Bengal
Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905.
It was annulled in 1911, announced by King George V at the Delhi Durbar.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 16 October 1905 | Partition takes effect; Swadeshi Movement begins |
| December 1911 | Delhi Durbar: partition annulled; capital to shift from Calcutta to Delhi |
| 1912 | Bengal reunited; Bihar and Orissa made a separate province; Assam separated |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Until the First World War | Incorrect; the war began in 1914 |
| (b) Until King George V abrogated it at the Delhi Durbar in 1911 | Correct |
| (c) Until the Civil Disobedience Movement | Incorrect; that was 1930 |
| (d) Until the Partition of India in 1947 | Incorrect |
The Viceroy in 1911 was Lord Hardinge.
Answer: (b) King George V abrogated Curzon's Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It was annulled in 1911, before the First World War began.
- (b) CORRECT. King George V announced the annulment at the Delhi Durbar in 1911.
- (c) Incorrect. The Civil Disobedience Movement came in 1930.
- (d) Incorrect. Bengal was divided again in 1947, but Curzon's partition had ended in 1911.
Key point
Partition of Bengal: 1905 (Curzon), annulled 1911 at the Delhi Durbar (George V, Viceroy Hardinge); capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
Remember
Bengal partition: 1905 to 1911.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the 1905 partition with the 1947 partition of Bengal.
- Forgetting that the capital shift was announced at the same Durbar.
- Naming Curzon as Viceroy in 1911; it was Hardinge.
Exam tip
1911 Delhi Durbar gave two things: annulment of partition and the new capital.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 10 (The Swadeshi Movement)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Partition of Bengal and its annulment)