The Geographical Split
Total Population: ~78 Million
Bengal was huge (size of France). The plan divided it into two distinct provinces:
1. West Bengal
- Capital: Calcutta
- Population: ~54 Million
- Demographics: Hindu Majority, but included Hindi & Odia speakers (making Bengalis a linguistic minority).
2. Eastern Bengal & Assam
- Capital: Dhaka
- Population: ~31 Million
- Demographics: Muslim Majority (18M Muslims vs 12M Hindus).
Population Distribution (Millions)
Data Source: Assignment PDF
Why Divide Bengal?
"Administrative Efficiency"
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Too Big to Manage: 78 million people was too much for one center.
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Economic Development: Focus on neglected eastern regions (Port of Chittagong).
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Better Governance: Promises of a new University in Dhaka.
"Divide and Rule"
"Bengal united is a power; Bengal divided will pull in several different ways."
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Dethrone Calcutta: Weaken the nerve center of nationalist activity.
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Create Divisions: Split Hindus and Muslims to prevent unified resistance.
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Linguistic Minority: Make Bengalis a minority in their own province by including Hindi/Odia speakers.
Reactions & Consequences
Birth of Swadeshi
Moved from petitions to Direct Action.
- • Boycott: Burning British textiles (Manchester cloth).
- • Indigenous Industry: Wearing Khadi, supporting local artisans.
- • Cultural: Tagore wrote "Amar Sonar Bangla".
Rise of Extremism
Failure of Moderates led to the rise of the "Extremist" trio.
The Annulment (1911)
Delhi Durbar, Dec 12, 1911
Announced by King George V & Viceroy Lord Hardinge
1. Reunification
Bengal reunited based on language. Bihar and Orissa separated into a new province. Assam separated.
2. Capital Shift
Capital moved from Calcutta to Delhi. A strategic move to punish Bengal and please Muslims (Mughal heritage).
3. Reactions
Hindus celebrated victory. Muslim elite (Muslim League) felt betrayed by the British U-turn.
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