Q. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements.
Lord Curzon, India’s Viceroy between 1899 and 1905, was one of the most controversial and consequential holders of that post. The partition of the undivided Bengal Presidency in 1905 was one of Curzon’s most criticized moves, which triggered widespread opposition not only in Bengal but across India, and gave the impetus to the freedom movement.
The partition provoked great resentment and hostility in Bengal. It was clear to the Bengal Congress and patriotic Indians in both Bengal and elsewhere that Curzon’s motive was to crush the increasingly loud political voices of the literate class in the province and to provoke religious strife and opposition against them.
But the protests against the partition did not remain confined to this class alone. A campaign to boycott British goods, especially textiles, and promote swadeshi began. There were marches and demonstrations with the protesters singing Bande Mataram to underline their patriotism and challenge the colonialists. Samitis emerged throughout Bengal, with several thousand volunteers.