Bengal was divided in line with the policy of divide and rule followed by the British. The people of Bengal and the Indian nationalists severely criticized the partition of Bengal. They opposed the partition on the grounds that it was a deliberate attempt by the British to divide the Bengalis on religious and territorial grounds. Soon, the government met with a strong anti-partition movement.
Anti-Partition Movement
- The government met with stiff opposition by the people on the issue of the partition of Bengal. It was opposed by Congress and the nationalists.
- Different sections of population in Bengal such as zamindars, merchants, students, women and lawyers vehemently opposed the partition of their province.
- The early and assertive nationalists cooperated with each other during the anti-partition movement.
- The day on which partition of Bengal came into effect, 16 October, was declared as a day of national mourning all over Bengal. People observed fasts and many hartals took place in Kolkata.
- People in almost every street of Kolkata sang Bande Mataram which later became an important part of the Indian National Movement.
- It was during this time that Rabindranath Tagore composed the song Amar Sonar Bangla which is the national anthem of Bangladesh.
- People held several demonstrations against the partition. Ananda Mohan Bose, a Bengali leader, laid the foundation of the Federation Hall to symbolize the unity of Bengal.
Impact of the Anti-Partition Movement
- The anti-partition movement of Bengal speeded the Indian national movement. People rose in opposition against the government.
- The Swadeshi and Boycott Movements took concrete shape during the anti-partition movement. People began to use goods which were produced by local industries. Bon fires of foreign clothes were organized at various places. This also strengthened the Indian National Movement.
- The people lost faith in the British sense of justice and fair play.
- The anti-partition movement gave an opportunity to the assertive nationalists to lead the national movement.
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