Q.3 Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements.
Model Answer:
Introduction
Lord Curzon served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. His tenure was marked by several significant policies and administrative measures aimed at consolidating British control over India. Key policies included the Partition of Bengal, administrative reforms, educational reforms, and foreign policy initiatives.
Body
- Partition of Bengal (1905): Curzon's decision to partition Bengal was ostensibly for administrative efficiency but was widely perceived as an attempt to divide and rule by creating religious divisions. This move led to widespread protests and the Swadeshi Movement, which marked a significant rise in Indian nationalism.
- Administrative Reforms: Curzon implemented several administrative changes, including the establishment of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and reforms in the police and judiciary. He also introduced the Indian Universities Act (1904) to regulate higher education, which was seen as an attempt to curb nationalist sentiments among students.
- Foreign Policy: Curzon's foreign policy was focused on securing British interests in the region. He established British control over Tibet through the Younghusband Expedition (1903-04) and strengthened the frontier defences.
- Educational Reforms: The Indian Universities Act (1904) aimed to bring universities under stricter government control, which was resented by the Indian intelligentsia. Curzon also promoted technical education and established the Agricultural Research Institute at Pusa.
Long-term Implications:
- Rise of Nationalism: The Partition of Bengal galvanized Indian society, leading to the Swadeshi and Boycott movements. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai emerged as prominent figures advocating for self-rule.
- Communalism: The partition sowed seeds of communalism by creating a separate Muslim-majority province, which later influenced the demand for Pakistan.
- Constitutional Reforms: The backlash against Curzon's policies forced the British to introduce constitutional reforms, leading to the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909), which provided for limited Indian representation in governance.
- Educational and Social Awakening: Curzon's educational reforms, though restrictive, inadvertently led to a greater emphasis on indigenous education and the establishment of nationalist educational institutions like the Banaras Hindu University.
Conclusion
While Lord Curzon's policies were aimed at strengthening British rule, they inadvertently fueled the Indian national movement. The Partition of Bengal, in particular, acted as a catalyst for the rise of nationalism and the demand for self-governance, setting the stage for future movements and constitutional reforms.
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