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Q81 (IAS/2014) History & Culture › National Movement (1857–1947) › Early national politics Official Key

The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until King George V abrogated Curzon's Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.[1] During the Royal Durbar held in Delhi in 1911 to celebrate the coronation of King George V, the announcement was made to reunite Bengal.[2]

The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a controversial administrative decision that divided Bengal into two provinces, ostensibly for administrative efficiency but widely perceived as an attempt to weaken the growing nationalist movement by dividing Hindus and Muslims. The decision sparked widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement. Due to intense public opposition and the failure to achieve its intended objectives, the British government reversed the partition. The annulment in 1911 reunited Bengal, though this led to other territorial reorganizations including the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi.

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Q. 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 a…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 10/10

This is a classic 'Sitter' from standard Modern History texts (Spectrum/Old NCERT). Although the skeleton flagged it as web-based, every serious aspirant knows the 1911 Delhi Durbar annulment. The question tests the 'End Date' of a major event, not just the start.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Did the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 end during the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Ans: (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly gives the correct option (b) as the annulment: King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act in 1911.
  • Directly contradicts the claim that it ended during the First World War.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Answer: (b)"
Why this source?
  • Presents the same multiple-choice options and gives the answer as (b).
  • By identifying (b) as correct, it indicates annulment occurred in 1911, not during WWI.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911."
Why this source?
  • States the partition 'lasted until (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.'
  • Directly refutes the wartime-ending claim by giving the 1911 annulment event and date.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Annulment of Partition > p. 269
Strength: 5/5
“It was decided to annul the partition of Bengal in 1911 mainly to curb the menace of revolutionary terrorism. The annulment came as a rude shock to the Muslim political elite. It was also decided to shift the capital to Delhi as a sop to the Muslims, as it was associated with Muslim glory, but the Muslims were not pleased. Bihar and Orissa were taken out of Bengal and Assam was made a separate province.”
Why relevant

States that the partition was annulled in 1911 and gives the official reason (to curb revolutionary terrorism).

How to extend

A student can combine this date (1911 annulment) with the basic external fact that World War I began in 1914 to judge whether the annulment occurred during the War.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Impact of World War I on Indian Freedom Movement > Introduction > p. 31
Strength: 4/5
“Several events that preceded the First World War had a bearing on Indian nationalist politics. In 1905 Japan had defeated Russia. In 1908 the Young Turks and in 1911 the Chinese nationalists, using Western methods and ideas, had overthrown their governments. Along with the First World War these events provide the background to Indian nationalism during 1916 and 1920. Europe was the main theatre of the War, though fighting took place in other parts of the world as well. The British recruited a vast contingent of Indians to serve in Europe, Africa and West Asia. After the War, the soldiers came back with new ideas which had an impact on the Indian society.”
Why relevant

Explains that Britain recruited a vast contingent of Indians to serve in Europe, Africa and West Asia during the First World War.

How to extend

A student can use this to connect British wartime manpower needs (1914–18) to possible policy changes and then compare timing with the 1911 annulment noted elsewhere.

Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > THE PARTITION OF BENGAL > p. 240
Strength: 4/5
“Thus the conditions for the emergence of militant nationalism had developed when in 1905 the partition of Bengal was announced and the Indian national movement entered its second stage. On 20 July 1905. Lord Curzon issued an order dividing the province of Bengal into two parts: Eastern Bengal and Assam with a population of 31 millions, and the rest of Bengal with a population of 54 millions, of whom 18 millions were Bengalis and 36 millions Biharis and Orivas Bengal united is a power; Bengal divided will pull several different ways. That is what the Congress leaders feel: their apprehensions are perfectly correct and they form one of the great merits of the scheme...”
Why relevant

Gives the exact announcement date of the 1905 partition and frames it as a key trigger for intensified nationalist politics.

How to extend

Use this to establish the start date of the partition (1905) and then compare the duration until annulment (1911) versus the WWI period (basic external knowledge).

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement > p. 280
Strength: 3/5
“● The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement • * Began as a reaction to partition of Bengal which became known in 1903, was formally announced in July 1905 and came into force in October 1905. The motive behind partition was to weaken Bengal which was the nerve centre of Indian nationalist activity; the official reason given for the partition was that Bengal had become too big to administer—which was true to some extent.• * Moderate-led anti-partition movement (1903-05) was under Surendranath Banerjea, K.K. Mitra, Prithwishchandra Ray. Methods included public meetings, petitions, memoranda, propaganda through newspapers and pamphlets.• * The movement under Extremists (1905-08) was led by Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo Ghosh.”
Why relevant

Describes the Swadeshi and Boycott movement beginning with the 1905 partition and the political consequences that followed.

How to extend

A student can infer that strong nationalist agitation followed partition and then consider whether the British response (annulment) was prompted by pre‑War political factors rather than wartime troop needs.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 2: Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement > 17 Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement > p. 18
Strength: 3/5
“Bengal Presidency as an administrative unit was indeed of unmanageable in size; the necessity of partition was being discussed since the 1860s. The scheme of partition was revived in March 1890. In Assam, when Curzon went on a tour, he was requested by the European planters to make a maritime outlet closer to Calcutta to reduce their dependence on the Assam–Bengal railways. Following this, in December 1903, Curzon drew up a scheme in his Minutes on Territorial Redistribution of India, which was later modified and published as the Risely Papers. The report gave two reasons in support of partition: Relief of Bengal and the improvement of Assam.”
Why relevant

Presents administrative reasons given for partition (relief of Bengal, development of Assam) and shows partition was debated and planned well before 1905.

How to extend

A student could contrast stated administrative motives and the chronology of planning (late 19th/early 20th century) with the timing of annulment and WWI to assess causal links.

Statement 2
Did King George V abrogate Curzon's Partition of Bengal Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"During the Royal Durbar held in Delhi in 1911 to celebrate the coronation of King George V, the announcement was made to reunite Bengal."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the partition was annulled in 1911 and links the announcement to the Royal Durbar in Delhi.
  • Specifically names King George V's 1911 Durbar as the occasion when the decision to reunite Bengal was announced.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Ans: (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act"
Why this source?
  • Direct answer form shows the accepted answer: that King George V abrogated Curzon's Act.
  • The passage ties the 1911 annulment of the 1905 partition to King George V's action.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911."
Why this source?
  • States the same claim: that King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.
  • Frames the annulment as the end point of the 1905 Partition of Bengal.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > 13. Lord Hardinge II 1910-1916 > p. 820
Strength: 5/5
“• (i) Creation of Bengal Presidency (like Bombay and Madras) in 1911.• (ii) Transfer of capital from Calcutta to Delhi (1911).• (iii) Establishment of the Hindu Mahasabha (1915) by Madan Mohan Malaviya.• (iv) Coronation durbar of King George V held in Delhi (1911). 14. Lord Chelmsford 1916-1921 • (i) Formation of Home Rule Leagues by Annie Besant and Tilak (1916).”
Why relevant

Explicitly states that the Coronation Durbar of King George V was held in Delhi in 1911 (places the monarch in Delhi that year).

How to extend

A student could check whether the annulment announcement coincided with that Durbar or was publicly declared there.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Annulment of Partition > p. 269
Strength: 5/5
“It was decided to annul the partition of Bengal in 1911 mainly to curb the menace of revolutionary terrorism. The annulment came as a rude shock to the Muslim political elite. It was also decided to shift the capital to Delhi as a sop to the Muslims, as it was associated with Muslim glory, but the Muslims were not pleased. Bihar and Orissa were taken out of Bengal and Assam was made a separate province.”
Why relevant

Says the partition of Bengal was decided to be annulled in 1911 (gives the date of annulment).

How to extend

Combine this date with the Durbar date to suspect a temporal link and then verify whether the Durbar was the venue of the announcement.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 2: Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement > 17 Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement > p. 18
Strength: 3/5
“Bengal Presidency as an administrative unit was indeed of unmanageable in size; the necessity of partition was being discussed since the 1860s. The scheme of partition was revived in March 1890. In Assam, when Curzon went on a tour, he was requested by the European planters to make a maritime outlet closer to Calcutta to reduce their dependence on the Assam–Bengal railways. Following this, in December 1903, Curzon drew up a scheme in his Minutes on Territorial Redistribution of India, which was later modified and published as the Risely Papers. The report gave two reasons in support of partition: Relief of Bengal and the improvement of Assam.”
Why relevant

Explains Curzon originated and promoted the partition of Bengal (links Curzon to the 1905 partition policy being later reversed).

How to extend

Knowing Curzon enacted the partition, a student can focus on 1911 reversal sources to see who announced its abrogation and where.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Partition of Bengal to Divide People > p. 261
Strength: 3/5
“The British government's decision to partition Bengal had been made public in December 1903. The idea was to have two provinces: Bengal comprising Western Bengal as well as the provinces of Bihar and Orissa, and Eastern Bengal and Assam. Bengal retained Calcutta as its capital, while Dacca became the capital of Eastern Bengal. The official reason given for the decision was that Bengal with a population of 78 million (about a quarter of the population of British India) had become too big to be administered. It was also stated that partition would help in the development of Assam if it came under the direct jurisdiction of the government.”
Why relevant

Describes the original 1903–05 partition plan and administrative details (establishes the Act/policy that would later be annulled).

How to extend

Use this background to search 1911 records of formal annulment documents or proclamations and whether they were promulgated at the Durbar.

Statement 3
Did the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 remain in effect until Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Ans: (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act"
Why this source?
  • Directly answers the posed question and selects the abrogation by King George V as the end of the 1905 Partition.
  • This answer option (b) contradicts the alternative that it lasted until Gandhiji launched the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911"
Why this source?
  • States explicitly that the 1905 Partition 'lasted until... King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.'
  • Provides a clear end date (1911) for the partition, which contradicts the claim that it remained until Gandhiji's Civil Disobedience Movement.

Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > THE PARTITION OF BENGAL > p. 240
Strength: 5/5
“Thus the conditions for the emergence of militant nationalism had developed when in 1905 the partition of Bengal was announced and the Indian national movement entered its second stage. On 20 July 1905. Lord Curzon issued an order dividing the province of Bengal into two parts: Eastern Bengal and Assam with a population of 31 millions, and the rest of Bengal with a population of 54 millions, of whom 18 millions were Bengalis and 36 millions Biharis and Orivas Bengal united is a power; Bengal divided will pull several different ways. That is what the Congress leaders feel: their apprehensions are perfectly correct and they form one of the great merits of the scheme...”
Why relevant

Gives the formal date when Curzon issued the order dividing Bengal (20 July 1905) and describes the two new units; establishes the partition's origin and precise starting action.

How to extend

A student can combine this start-date with outside timelines (e.g., dates of later administrative orders) to check whether the division persisted up to 1930.

Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > The Anti-Partition Movement or the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement > p. 241
Strength: 5/5
“The partition took effect on 16 October 1905. The leaders of the protest movement declared it to be a day of national mourning throughout Bengal. It was observed as a day of fasting. There was a hartal in Calcutta. People walked barefooted and bathed in the Ganga in the early morning hours. Rabindranath Tagore composed a national song for the occasion which was sung by huge crowds parading the streets. In the afternoon, there was a great demonstration when the veteran leader Anandamohan Bose laid the foundation of a Federation Hall to mark the indestructible unity of Bengal. He addressed a crowd of over 50,000 and the meeting passed a resolution pledging to do their utmost to maintain the unity of Bengal.”
Why relevant

States the date the partition 'took effect' (16 October 1905), confirming when the administrative change became operative.

How to extend

Use this operative date together with external records of any subsequent reversals/annulments to test if it remained in force until 1930.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Civil Disobedience Movement > p. 810
Strength: 5/5
“M.K. Gandhi formally launched the Civil Disobedience Movement on April 6, 1930 by picking a handful of salt after the completion of historic 'Dandi March' from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, thus breaking the salt law imposed by the Government. He was the major force behind the movement and inspired grass-root participation in the freedom struggle. C. Rajagopalachari led a salt march from Trichinopoly to Vedaranniyam on the Tanjore coast in Tamil Nadu, in support of the Civil Disobedience Movement. He was arrested on April 30, 1930. K. Kelappan, a Nair Congress leader, launched the Vaikom Satyagraha and marched from Calicut to Payanneer in defiance of salt laws.”
Why relevant

Gives the clear date when Gandhi formally launched the Civil Disobedience Movement (6 April 1930), providing the endpoint date against which to compare the partition's duration.

How to extend

Compare the 1905 effective date (from snippets above) with this 1930 date and then consult historical sources for any administrative change(s) between them.

THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART III, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: MAHATMA GANDHI AND THE NATIONALIST MOVEMENT > Bengal > p. 311
Strength: 4/5
“The outstanding event of the past fortnight has been the start of Gandhi's campaign of civil disobedience. Mr. J.M. Sengupta has formed an All-Bengal Civil Disobedience Council, and the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee has formed an All Bengal Council of Disobedience. But beyond forming councils no active steps have yet been taken in the matter of civil disobedience in Bengal. The reports from the districts show that the meetings that have been held excite little or no interest and leave no profound impression on the general population. It is noticeable, however, that ladies are attending these meetings in increasing numbers.”
Why relevant

Reports specific Bengal organisational activity tied to Gandhi's civil disobedience campaign, indicating the movement reached Bengal in 1930 and showing Bengal remained a relevant administrative/political unit at that time.

How to extend

A student could use this to infer Bengal's continued political identity in 1930 and then check if the 1905 administrative division still existed or had been reversed by then.

Statement 4
Did the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 remain in effect until the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Ans: (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act"
Why this source?
  • Directly answers the multiple-choice question about how long the 1905 partition lasted.
  • States that King George V abrogated Curzon's Act, indicating the 1905 partition ended in 1911, not 1947.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until (b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911."
Why this source?
  • Explains explicitly that the 1905 Partition of Bengal 'lasted until' King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act in 1911.
  • This directly refutes the idea that the 1905 partition remained in effect until the 1947 Partition of India.

Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > The Anti-Partition Movement or the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement > p. 241
Strength: 4/5
“The partition took effect on 16 October 1905. The leaders of the protest movement declared it to be a day of national mourning throughout Bengal. It was observed as a day of fasting. There was a hartal in Calcutta. People walked barefooted and bathed in the Ganga in the early morning hours. Rabindranath Tagore composed a national song for the occasion which was sung by huge crowds parading the streets. In the afternoon, there was a great demonstration when the veteran leader Anandamohan Bose laid the foundation of a Federation Hall to mark the indestructible unity of Bengal. He addressed a crowd of over 50,000 and the meeting passed a resolution pledging to do their utmost to maintain the unity of Bengal.”
Why relevant

Gives the exact date the 1905 partition 'took effect' (16 October 1905), establishing a concrete starting point for any continuity question.

How to extend

A student could compare this start date to 1947 maps/records to see if the same administrative unit persisted until partition of India.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Partition of Bengal to Divide People > p. 261
Strength: 5/5
“The British government's decision to partition Bengal had been made public in December 1903. The idea was to have two provinces: Bengal comprising Western Bengal as well as the provinces of Bihar and Orissa, and Eastern Bengal and Assam. Bengal retained Calcutta as its capital, while Dacca became the capital of Eastern Bengal. The official reason given for the decision was that Bengal with a population of 78 million (about a quarter of the population of British India) had become too big to be administered. It was also stated that partition would help in the development of Assam if it came under the direct jurisdiction of the government.”
Why relevant

Describes the 1903–1905 scheme creating two provinces: 'Bengal' (with Calcutta) and 'Eastern Bengal and Assam' (with Dacca as capital), specifying the territorial composition and capitals.

How to extend

Using a historical map or list of provinces in 1947, a student can check whether 'Eastern Bengal and Assam' (or a successor) corresponds to the East Bengal that joined Pakistan.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement > p. 280
Strength: 4/5
“● The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement • * Began as a reaction to partition of Bengal which became known in 1903, was formally announced in July 1905 and came into force in October 1905. The motive behind partition was to weaken Bengal which was the nerve centre of Indian nationalist activity; the official reason given for the partition was that Bengal had become too big to administer—which was true to some extent.• * Moderate-led anti-partition movement (1903-05) was under Surendranath Banerjea, K.K. Mitra, Prithwishchandra Ray. Methods included public meetings, petitions, memoranda, propaganda through newspapers and pamphlets.• * The movement under Extremists (1905-08) was led by Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo Ghosh.”
Why relevant

States the partition was formally announced in July 1905 and came into force in October 1905, emphasising its formal administrative implementation.

How to extend

A student could trace administrative orders/records from 1905 to 1947 to test whether those implemented boundaries remained or were altered before 1947.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 25: Independence with Partition > Rationale for an Early Date (August 15, 1947) > p. 495
Strength: 5/5
“Britain wanted to secure Congress' agreement to the dominion status. At the same time, the British could escape the responsibility for the communal situation. The plan was put into effect without the slightest delay. The legislative assemblies of Bengal and Punjab decided in favour of partition of these two provinces. Thus, East Bengal and West Punjab joined Pakistan; West Bengal and East Punjab remained with the Indian Union. The referendum in Sylhet resulted in the incorporation of that district in East Bengal. Two boundary commissions, one in respect of each province, were constituted to demarcate the boundaries of the new provinces.”
Why relevant

Explains the 1947 outcome: legislative assemblies of Bengal decided in favour of partition and 'East Bengal' joined Pakistan — linking the 1947 provincial entity name ('East Bengal') to the partition outcome.

How to extend

Compare the 1905 entity 'Eastern Bengal and Assam' (from 1905) with the 1947 entity 'East Bengal' to see if they are territorially the same or had been reorganised in the intervening period.

Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > THE PARTITION OF BENGAL > p. 240
Strength: 3/5
“Thus the conditions for the emergence of militant nationalism had developed when in 1905 the partition of Bengal was announced and the Indian national movement entered its second stage. On 20 July 1905. Lord Curzon issued an order dividing the province of Bengal into two parts: Eastern Bengal and Assam with a population of 31 millions, and the rest of Bengal with a population of 54 millions, of whom 18 millions were Bengalis and 36 millions Biharis and Orivas Bengal united is a power; Bengal divided will pull several different ways. That is what the Congress leaders feel: their apprehensions are perfectly correct and they form one of the great merits of the scheme...”
Why relevant

Notes the two parts created in 1905 were 'Eastern Bengal and Assam' (population details) and 'the rest of Bengal', highlighting that the 1905 partition separated Assam with eastern Bengal from western parts.

How to extend

A student could use population/territorial descriptions plus external maps to judge whether the eastern partition in 1905 corresponds territorially to East Bengal of 1947.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC frequently tests the 'lifespan' of administrative acts. They want to check if you know the continuity of a policy (1905–1911) versus a permanent change. Chronology is King in Modern History.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly covered in Spectrum (Chapter: Era of Militant Nationalism) and Old NCERT (Bipan Chandra).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The timeline of the Swadeshi Movement and the administrative evolution of British India (1905–1911).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 1911 Delhi Durbar Trinity: 1) Annulment of Bengal Partition, 2) Shift of Capital from Calcutta to Delhi, 3) Creation of Bihar & Orissa as a separate province (and Assam reverting to a Chief Commissionership). Viceroy: Lord Hardinge II.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Always study the 'Closure' of historical movements. Don't just stop at 1905 (Start of Swadeshi); ask 'When did the grievance end?' Similarly, for NCM, know Chauri Chaura; for CDM, know Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Partition of Bengal (1905) and its annulment (1911)
💡 The insight

The statement concerns timing of the partition's end; references state the partition date (1905) and explicitly record its annulment in 1911.

High-yield for questions on administrative reorganisation and nationalist responses: candidates must know key dates (partition 1905, annulment 1911), reasons for annulment, and how these shaped later politics. Useful for timeline-based questions and for contrasting pre‑ and post‑WWI policies. Learn by linking dates to causes and consequences in concise timeline notes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > THE PARTITION OF BENGAL > p. 240
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Annulment of Partition > p. 269
🔗 Anchor: "Did the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 end during the First Wor..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Swadeshi and Boycott Movement as the immediate reaction to Partition
💡 The insight

Several references describe the Swadeshi/boycott movement as the direct political response to the 1905 partition.

Frequently tested topic under the nationalist movement: explains methods (boycott, swadeshi), leadership (Moderates/Extremists), and why the movement pressured the British. Helps answer causation questions (policy → popular movement → government response). Prepare by memorising leaders, methods and outcomes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement > p. 280
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 2: Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement > Spread of the Movement > p. 19
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Anti-Partition Campaign Under Moderates (1903-05) > p. 262
🔗 Anchor: "Did the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 end during the First Wor..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Impact of World War I on Indian politics and recruitment of Indian troops
💡 The insight

The statement links the partition's end to WWI-era troop needs; a reference discusses British recruitment of Indian soldiers during WWI and its political consequences.

Important when evaluating wartime effects on colonial policy and nationalist sentiment—useful for questions comparing pre‑war and wartime British responses, and for understanding why some policy changes occurred before WWI. Study by mapping wartime events to changes in British‑Indian relations.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Impact of World War I on Indian Freedom Movement > Introduction > p. 31
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Annulment of Partition > p. 269
🔗 Anchor: "Did the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 end during the First Wor..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Annulment of the Partition of Bengal (1911)
💡 The insight

References state the partition was annulled in 1911 and that the annulment and related administrative changes occurred that year.

High-yield for UPSC: links a major nationalist response (Swadeshi movement) to administrative reversal in 1911. Useful for questions on causes/consequences of policy reversals and timing of key events. Prepare by correlating dates, motives, and political impact using textbook timelines and primary summaries.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Annulment of Partition > p. 269
🔗 Anchor: "Did King George V abrogate Curzon's Partition of Bengal Act at the Royal Durbar ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Royal Durbar and King George V's 1911 visit to Delhi
💡 The insight

Evidence notes a coronation/Royal Durbar of King George V was held in Delhi in 1911 and the capital was shifted to Delhi that year.

Important for questions linking imperial ceremony to administrative decisions (capital shift, announcements). Master the sequence (Durbar, capital transfer, policy announcements) and distinguish ceremonial acts from executive/legal orders. Use timelines and compare multiple sources to avoid conflating events.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > 13. Lord Hardinge II 1910-1916 > p. 820
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Annulment of Partition > p. 269
🔗 Anchor: "Did King George V abrogate Curzon's Partition of Bengal Act at the Royal Durbar ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Curzon's Partition of Bengal — reasons and reactions
💡 The insight

Sources explain Curzon's 1905 partition motives (administrative relief, Assam development) and the sharp nationalist reaction to his policies.

Core concept for modern India syllabus: explains origins of Swadeshi movement and later policy reversal. Useful across polity, modern history, and ethics questions about administrative decisions and political fallout. Study by mapping causes, administrative logic, and nationalist responses; link to later annulment.

📚 Reading List :
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 2: Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement > 17 Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement > p. 18
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Partition of Bengal to Divide People > p. 261
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Reactionary Policies of Curzon > p. 260
🔗 Anchor: "Did King George V abrogate Curzon's Partition of Bengal Act at the Royal Durbar ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Partition of Bengal (1905) — date and immediate implementation
💡 The insight

Several references record that Curzon's partition was formally announced in 1905 and took effect on 16 October 1905; these establish the origin and immediate enactment of the measure.

High-yield for chronology questions: UPSC often asks causes, dates and immediate consequences of major colonial administrative decisions. Mastering the exact year and date helps place subsequent movements (Swadeshi, boycott) in timeline questions and comparative essays. Prepare by memorising core dates and linking them to short-term political reactions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > THE PARTITION OF BENGAL > p. 240
  • Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > The Anti-Partition Movement or the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement > p. 241
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement > p. 280
🔗 Anchor: "Did the Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 remain in effect until M..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Assam Reversion': When Bengal was reunited in 1911, Assam was re-separated and reverted to a Chief Commissionership (it had been part of 'Eastern Bengal and Assam' since 1905). This administrative detail is often missed.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Timeline Logic: WWI began in 1914 (Option A eliminated). CDM was 1930 (Option C eliminated). If Partition lasted till 1947 (Option D), the intense 'United Bengal' politics of C.R. Das and Subhash Bose in the 1920s/30s would make no sense. 1911 is the only historically consistent fit.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-1 (Regionalism) & GS-2 (Federalism): Contrast Curzon's 1905 partition (Administrative Convenience/Divide & Rule) with the 1956 States Reorganization (Linguistic basis). The 1911 annulment was the first major victory of 'pressure group' politics in India.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

NDA-I · 2017 · Q83 Relevance score: 1.35

Which colonial administrator made the following declaration about the partition of Bengal in 1904 ? “Bengal united is a power. Bengal divided will pull in different ways. That is perfectly true and one of the merits of the scheme”

NDA-I · 2010 · Q8 Relevance score: 1.33

Consider the following statement and identify with the help of the code given below the Viceroy who made the statement and when : In my belief, Congress is tottering to its fall and one of my great ambitions while in India is to assist it to a peaceful demise. Code :

NDA-I · 2008 · Q48 Relevance score: 1.01

Who among the following annulled the Partition of Bengal?

IAS · 1998 · Q30 Relevance score: 0.87

Assertion (A) : Partition of Bengal in 1905 brought to an end the Moderates’ role in the Indian freedom movement. Reason (R) : The Surat session of Indian National Congress separated the Extremists from the Moderates.

IAS · 2010 · Q112 Relevance score: 0.73

What was the immediate cause for the launch of the Swadeshi movement?