The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
The Partition of Bengal was announced in July 1905 by the Viceroy, Lord Curzon, and came into effect on October 16, 1905. It was a pivotal event that triggered the Swadeshi Movement.Statement 1 is Correct:
The British authorities officially justified the partition on the grounds of administrative convenience. They argued that the Bengal Presidency, with a population of roughly 78 million and a vast geographical area, was too large to be administered effectively as a single unit. However, the unstated political objective was to weaken Bengal, the nerve center of Indian nationalism, by dividing the population.
Statement 2 is Correct:
The partition plan reorganized the territory into two distinct provinces:
- Western Bengal: Comprising West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, with Calcutta as its capital.
- Eastern Bengal and Assam: Formed by separating the eastern districts of Bengal (such as Chittagong, Dhaka, and Rajshahi divisions) and merging them with Assam. The capital of this new province was Dacca (Dhaka).
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
The partition was universally opposed by the Indian National Congress.
- The Moderates (led by Surendranath Banerjea and others) opposed the move through petitions, public meetings, and press campaigns.
- The Radicals (Extremists) also vehemently opposed the partition, advocating for more assertive methods like Swadeshi and Boycott.
Key Takeaway:
The Partition of Bengal (1905) created the new province of "Eastern Bengal and Assam" ostensibly for administrative efficiency. It united the Indian political leadership in opposition, launching the Swadeshi Movement.