HISTORY CH-4(a)

SHORT ANSWERS (ONLY ANSWER)

1. Lord Curzon was the chief architect of the Partition of Bengal.
2. The decision was officially announced on 19th July, 1905.
3. The Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon sparked off the Swadeshi Movement.
4. Curzon claimed the partition was necessary for administrative efficiency, as Bengal was too large to govern effectively.
Or
Curzon's real motives were to weaken the growing national movement and to divide Hindus and Muslims.
5. According to the British, Bengal was too large and difficult to administer.
Two reasons:
(i) Better administration
(ii) To develop the neglected eastern regions (mainly Muslim areas)
6. Nationalist leaders believed the partition was a deliberate attempt to divide Hindus and Muslims and to suppress the nationalist
movement.
7. Surendranath Banerjee and Rabindranath Tagore.
8. Amar Sonar Bangla
9. Partition of Bengal became effective from 16th October, 1905. The Nationalists declared it to be "a Day of Mourning."
10. It marked the official implementation of the Partition, and people expressed sorrow by observing a day of mourning with
fasting, prayers, and processions.
11. It was meant to be a symbol of unity for the nationalists opposing the partition and working for the unity of Bengal.
12. In 1911.
13. The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
14. Swadeshi means anything of one's own country, opposite to anything foreign.
It meant abstaining from the purchase of foreign goods, particularly the British-made goods.
Swadeshi and Boycott were interlinked because people boycotted British goods and promoted Indian goods instead.
15. It passed the Prevention of Seditious Meeting Act 1907 A.D.
It passed The Explosive Substances Act 1908 A.D. and the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1908 and the Newspapers Act of 1908.
It began beating up of the Swadeshi volunteers mercilessly.
It placed a ban on the raising of the slogans like "Bande Mataram" in the streets of Bengal.
16. Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal
17. Decline in Import of Foreign Goods
Strength to the National Movement
18. This movement gave a great impetus to national education. It led to the formation of National Council of Education (also called
the Jatiya Siksha Parishad).
19. Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
20. Bankim Chandra's novel, Anand Math, popularised the Bande Mataram.
21. They believed Curzon wanted to divide Bengal on communal lines to weaken nationalism and follow the Divide and Rule
policy.
22. This movement provided a great impetus to both the cottage and large-scale Indian industries, due to an increased demand of
Swadeshi goods. Raw material began to be used in Indian cottage industries. It gave employment to many Indians
23. Divide and Rule policy and Separate electorates for Muslims.
24. They encouraged Muslims to stay away from the Congress and promised separate political representation through separate
electorates.
25. They encouraged Muslims to stay away from the Congress and promised separate political representation through separate
electorates.
26. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
27. To modernize Muslim education by promoting Western scientific learning along with Islamic culture.
28. (i) Due to the economic backwardness of the country, many communal organisations started demanding special concessions
on reservation of jobs for their own community.
(ii) The superiority of the Hindus in the sphere of trade and industry also alarmed the Muslims and they started demanding special
economic packages for the community.
29. Partition of Bengal and Muslim Deputation to Lord Minto in 1906
30. Aga Khan
31. Adequate representation to the Muslims in Local bodies and Separate Electorate
32. The Muslim League.
33. Nawab Salimullah of Dacca (with support from Aga Khan and others)
34. 29th December 1907
35. Syed Ali Immam.
36. To secure a rightful place for the Muslims in the Indian society and economy.
To promote social and economic interests of the Muslims.
37. Encouraged separatism among Muslims and Became a platform for communal politics.
38. To weaken the national movement by promoting communal division and providing Muslims a separate political platform.
39. The Muslim League was formally founded on 30 December 1906. The session at Dhaka was presided over by Nawab Salimullah
of Dacca.
40. The Lucknow Pact was adopted in 1916.
41. The Lucknow Pact between the Congress and the Muslim League.
42. Many muslims died and had to sleep hungry. (ChatGPT)
43. 1. Hindu-Muslim Unity: It paved the way for Hindu-Muslim unity for at least the period 1916-1922 A.D. It kept the liberal
Muslims in the Congress for all times.
2. Unity within the Congress: The Congress-League unity and the Aggressive and Moderates unity in the two Sessions of the
Congress itself left the Government with no excuse to delay further reforms.
44. Same as SA-43
45. The Muslim League was formed in 1906.
STURCTURED QUESTIONS
1. (a) Lord Curzon wanted to curb the growing spirit of nationalism in Bengal, which was a stronghold of nationalist activity.
Lord Curzon wanted to curb Bengali influence and reduce them to a minority in Bengal itself. It was a deliberate attempt to divide
the Bengalis on religious and territorial grounds.
The real motive of Lord Curzon was to drive a wedge between the Hindus and the Muslims. On his tour of Bengal, he told the
Muslims in 1904 AD. that "his objective in partitioning was not only to relieve the Bengal administration, but also to create a
Mohammedan Province.

(b) (i) The government regarded the size of province of Bengal to be too large to be administered by a single Provincial
Government. So, wanted to relieve the government of Bengal of a part of the administrative burden and ensure more efficient
administration in the outlying districts.
(ii) The government desired to promote the development of backward Assam (ruled by a Chief Commissioner) by enlarging its
jurisdiction so as to provide it with an outlet to the sea.
(iii) The government felt the urgent necessity to unite the scattered sections of the Oriya-speaking population under a single
administration.
(iv) It wanted to solve the problems of famine and defence of Bengal.

(c) Government adopted the following repressive measures:

It passed the Prevention of Seditious Meeting Act 1907 A.D.
It passed The Explosive Substances Act 1908 A.D. and the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1908 and the Newspapers Act of 1908.
It began beating up of the Swadeshi volunteers mercilessly.
It placed a ban on the raising of the slogans like "Bande Mataram" in the streets of Bengal.

2. (a) Same as 1(b) and Same as 1(a)

(b) People observed 16th October 1905 as a Day of Mourning. They fasted, took dips in the Ganges, sang patriotic songs, and
shouted slogans like "Bande Mataram." They organized meetings, processions, and adopted Swadeshi and Boycott as their tools to
protest.

(c) Swadeshi means anything of one's own country, opposite to anything foreign.
The Swadeshi was adopted as a means to ensure ready consumption of indigenous goods. It was a positive move to expand Indian
industries. Lala Lajpat Rai said "I regard it as the salvation of my country. The Swadeshi Movement ought to make us self-
respecting, self-reliant, self-supporting and, last but not the least, manly. The Swadeshi Movement ought to teach us how to
organise our capital, our resources, our labour, our energies, our talents to the greatest good of all Indians". The Swadeshi
Movement spread to the whole of India within no time.

Boycott: It meant abstaining from the purchase of foreign goods, particularly the British-made goods. A four-fold programme was
adopted, which included,
(a) Boycott of English goods, salt and sugar, etc.
(b) Renunciation of Government jobs and seats in the Legislative Councils.
(c) Renunciation of English speech.

3. (a) The Partition of Bengal left a profound impact on the political history of India. The Indian National Congress and the
nationalists of Bengal opposed the partition. Within Bengal different sections of population, ie, zamindars, merchants, lawyers,
students and women joined the anti- partition movement. Nationalists reacted strongly against the partition. They saw it as an
attack on Indian unity and launched mass movements. Leaders like Surendranath Banerjee and Rabindranath Tagore led the
protest, urging people to tie Rakhis and take part in rallies.
(b) Government adopted the following repressive measures:
It passed the Prevention of Seditious Meeting Act 1907 A.D.
It passed The Explosive Substances Act 1908 A.D. and the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1908 and the Newspapers Act of 1908.
It began beating up of the Swadeshi volunteers mercilessly.
It placed a ban on the raising of the slogans like "Bande Mataram" in the streets of Bengal.

(c) The Partition of Bengal transformed the Indian National Movement into a mass movement. It saw participation from students,
women, and peasants. The Swadeshi and Boycott Movements created national consciousness, revived Indian industries, and laid
the foundation for future mass movements led by Gandhi. Thus, the partition inadvertently united Indians against British policies
and sowed the seeds of mass resistance.

4. (a) The government regarded the size of province of Bengal to be too large to be administered by a single Provincial
Government. So, wanted to relieve the government of Bengal of a part of the administrative burden and ensure more efficient
administration in the outlying districts.
His real motives:
To weaken the Congress and Indian for National movement and To Divide the Hindus and the Muslims

(b) The Swadeshi Movement emerged as a direct reaction to the partition. People took vows to use only Indian goods, burned
foreign goods, and boycotted British institutions. Schools and colleges taught nationalist ideals. The movement brought national
awakening to even remote parts of the country. Cultural activities, patriotic songs, and literature inspired people to fight against
British injustice and reclaim their identity.

5. (a) The main aim was to oppose British rule and economic exploitation by promoting Indian goods and boycotting British
imports. The movement encouraged self-reliance and revival of indigenous industries. Programmes included the use of Khadi,
establishment of Indian-owned industries, national schools and colleges, picketing of shops selling foreign goods, organizing
Swadeshi melas, and spreading awareness through speeches and literature. It was both an economic and political movement that
involved the common people actively.

(b) Indian textile, soap, and match industries flourished due to reduced dependence on foreign goods. The use of Khadi increased
significantly as a symbol of self-reliance and patriotism. New Swadeshi enterprises, such as banks, mills, and factories, were
established by Indian entrepreneurs. The movement revived Indian crafts and traditional industries, encouraging artisans and local
talent. It boosted economic nationalism by making Indians proud of their own products and encouraging investment in indigenous
enterprises.

6. (a) These movements united people across regions and social classes, bringing together farmers, students, women, and
industrialists in a common cause. They gave rise to self-reliance, economic strength, and a spirit of national determination. Indian-
made products gained popularity and began to replace imported goods. A wave of patriotism swept the country, fostering a sense
of shared identity and purpose among Indians. The movements laid the foundation for future mass movements against British
rule.

(b) The objectives were to promote loyalty to the British Government, protect the political rights of Muslims, and prevent hostility
towards other communities. It also aimed to represent Muslims in political matters.

(c) Three factors leading to formation of Muslim League (4 marks):

British policy of Divide and Rule: The British deliberately encouraged communal divisions to weaken the freedom movement. By
favouring one community over another, they could maintain their control and suppress unified protests.

The Partition of Bengal: The creation of a Muslim-majority Eastern Bengal led many Muslims to believe the British were protecting
their interests. This belief strengthened the desire for a separate political organisation.

The Aligarh Movement and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: He emphasized modern education for Muslims and loyalty to the British. He
believed Muslim interests would not be safe under majority Hindu rule, thus advocating for a separate identity. His efforts laid the
ideological foundation for the League.

The Muslim Deputation to Lord Minto in 1906: This event encouraged Muslims to seek formal political representation. The
Viceroy's positive response convinced Muslim leaders of the need for a separate platform to safeguard their political interests.

7. (a) The Lucknow Pact was signed in 1916 between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League.
(b) It was the first time both parties came together with a common political objective. It marked Hindu-Muslim unity and put
forward joint demands to the British. This unity gave a strong message to the British that Indians could transcend communal
divisions for national goals. It also created hope among Indians for future collaborations in the fight for independence.

8. (a) Same as 6(c)

(b) To promote loyalty to the British, to protect Muslim interests, and to ensure representation of Muslims in government services.
The League aimed to maintain cordial relations between the Muslim community and the British rulers, believing it would help
them secure political safeguards. It also sought to reassure the British that Muslims would remain cooperative, while
simultaneously working to uplift the educational and economic conditions of Muslims.

(c) Separate electorates for Muslims.

Greater representation in government jobs.
Recognition of Muslims as a separate community with political rights.

9. (a) The British divided communities to weaken the national movement. They supported the creation of the Muslim League and
the idea of separate electorates to break Hindu-Muslim unity. By encouraging religious divisions, they aimed to prevent a united
nationalist struggle. This policy ensured that Indians would be less likely to come together against colonial rule, thus helping the
British maintain their dominance.

(b) Partition was portrayed as an administrative necessity by the British, but in reality, it had deep communal motives. Eastern
Bengal had a Muslim majority and Western Bengal had a Hindu majority, making the division clearly along religious lines. This act
heightened communal suspicion and laid the foundation for fostering a separate Muslim identity in politics. It was seen as a
deliberate move to divide the people and break the unity of the growing nationalist movement. The decision helped sow seeds of
mistrust between communities, which would later be exploited by colonial policies to justify separate electorates and political
representation.

(c) He promoted western education among Muslims to help them modernize and compete with other communities in education
and employment. He urged Muslims to remain loyal to the British, believing that cooperation with the rulers would safeguard
their political and economic interests. He founded the MAO College at Aligarh, which later became Aligarh Muslim University, to
provide modern education while preserving Islamic values. His ideology laid the groundwork for a separate Muslim identity,
emphasizing the cultural and political distinctiveness of Muslims. These efforts collectively inspired the formation of the Muslim
League in 1906 to protect Muslim interests.

10. (a) Muslims were hesitant to adopt western education due to religious and cultural concerns. As a result, they lagged behind
in modern education and were underrepresented in government jobs and administrative positions. This educational gap restricted
their upward social mobility and economic opportunities. The resulting economic disparity fueled feelings of alienation and gave
rise to social unrest. Many Muslims grew suspicious of the growing influence of Hindus in public life, contributing to a sense of
insecurity and demand for separate political safeguards.

(b) History was written in a biased way, showing Muslims as invaders and Hindus as victims. This created distrust and resentment
among communities. It distorted the historical narrative and painted an unfair picture of Muslim rulers, contributing to communal
tensions and feelings of alienation among Muslims. This educational bias instilled stereotypes and widened the divide between
communities from a young age.

(c) The Aggressive nationalists played an important role in the National Movement. But some of their actions gave nationalism a
religious tinge and marked a step backward in respect of the growth of national unity:
(1) Tilak was considered as the 'Father of Hindu Nationalism'. He started celebrating Shivaji and Ganpati festivals which gave a
communal colour to the National Movement.
(ii) Bipin Chandra Pal founded the Nationalist journal, Bande Mataram which also provided a communal colour to the National
Movement.
(iii) The image of Bharat Mata by Bankim Chander Chattopadhyaya also widened the gulf between the Hindus and Muslims.

11. (a) In the United Provinces, a demand was raised to replace Urdu with Hindi in the Devanagari script. This angered Muslims
who saw Urdu as their cultural language and a symbol of their identity. They felt that their traditions were being threatened and
that the dominance of Hindi would marginalize their voice in society.

(b) A group of Muslim leaders led by Aga Khan met Lord Minto. They demanded separate electorates and greater political
representation for Muslims, fearing underrepresentation in a Hindu-majority country. Minto assured them of support and
recognition, which gave them the confidence to form a separate political platform for safeguarding their interests.
(c) Aligarh under Sir Syed became a centre for Muslim political thought and education. It propagated loyalty to the British and
emphasized the need for Muslims to modernize while maintaining their identity. Leaders from Aligarh, inspired by Sir Syed’s
vision, played a major role in forming the Muslim League. The movement at Aligarh also sought to create political awareness
among Muslims and encouraged them to actively participate in governance while maintaining a distinct religious and cultural
identity.

12. (i) Leader of the deputation (1 mark): Aga Khan (ii) Main demands (1 mark): Separate electorates, more government jobs. (iii)
Assurance from Viceroy (1 mark): Minto promised to consider their demands. (iv) Impact (1 mark): Encouraged Muslims to
organize politically. (v) Led to formation of League (1 mark): The assurance led to creation of the Muslim League in December
1906.

14. (a) Some nationalist Muslims opposed the League as divisive, arguing that it encouraged communal separation and weakened
the broader national movement. However, many Muslims supported the League, believing that it served as a necessary platform
to protect Muslim political and cultural rights. They hoped that by participating in the League, they could voice their demands
more effectively while maintaining cooperation with the British. Supporters also believed that the League would ensure fair
representation in governance and prevent domination by the Hindu majority.

(b) Two direct outcomes of League formation (3 marks):

Muslims had a separate political platform.
Communal representation became formalized.

14. (a) The repressive policies of the British following the Swadeshi Movement, including arrests, censorship, and suppression of
civil liberties, frustrated both moderates and extremists. The earlier lack of cooperation between the Congress and the Muslim
League had weakened the nationalist cause, but increasing realization of the need for unity emerged. Additionally, the outbreak of
World War I provided an opportunity to present a united front in demanding constitutional reforms, as India’s support to the
British war efforts was seen as a bargaining chip. These factors collectively motivated both parties to come together and sign the
Lucknow Pact in 1916.

(b) Separate electorates were accepted by both Congress and the Muslim League, allowing Muslims to elect their own
representatives. They put forward a joint demand for self-government, highlighting a united Indian voice for constitutional
reforms. There was also an agreement on giving fair representation to minorities in legislatures, ensuring protection of their
political rights. This pact symbolized political cooperation and mutual understanding between the two major communities. It
marked a new phase in Indian politics where communal harmony was prioritized for national goals.

(c) Marked Hindu-Muslim unity, strengthened national movement, showed Indian political maturity, forced the British to take
Indian demands seriously, created a foundation for future collaboration between Congress and the Muslim League, and boosted
the morale of Indian leaders by proving that communal harmony was possible in the fight against colonial rule.

15. Two outcomes of the 1916 Pact (2 marks):

Congress and League came together for a common political goal.
British had to acknowledge Indian unity and consider reforms.

-BY DHWAJ SHAH

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