This movement also demonstrates how it influenced people throughout the entire country. Let us explore the significance of this movement.
The British government desired to administratively divide the state of Bengal due to its vast size (approximately 190,000 square miles) and dense population (785 million). However, the people of Bengal opposed this partition. They believed that it would jeopardize the Bengali identity and the British government aimed to undermine the unity of Bengalis by dividing them.
Although the British government had initiated discussions on the partition of Bengal in 1874, the opposition from the Bengalis slowed down its progress. When Lord Curzon assumed the position of Governor General of India on January 6, 1899, the process gained momentum. In 1903, proposals for the partition of Bengal began to surface. Extensive debates took place until the British government ultimately passed the proposal for the partition of Bengal on July 19, 1905. The following day, on July 20, the Calcutta Press published this news, announcing the partition of Bengal.
As soon as the news was published, there was chaos in Bengal. Protests against the partition started in various locations. Several meetings were held. According to government records, approximately 2,000 such meetings were held in villages and cities.
The largest and most historic gathering took place on August 7, 1905, at the Town Hall in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Raja Sir Manindra Chandra Nandi of Kasim Bazar presided over this meeting. Although scheduled for 5 PM, a massive crowd had already started gathering as early as 2 PM.
Individuals from all classes and age groups attended, including groups of students who carried banners adorned with black flags and slogans such as "United Bengal," "Unity is strength," "Vande Mataram," and "No Partition."
This story is from the August Second 2023 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August Second 2023 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Return Gift
\"Dingo, it's been a long time since we've had a nice party.
Moving to the MOON
In the forest town of Hoshiarpur, there was a mischievous bear named Dabbu.
Tea and the Lizard
Parth's father loved tea and enjoyed several cups throughout the day.
Shera Breaks a Bad Habit
It was December, and a cold wave settled upon Chandanvan. Prime Minister Shera discovered that his once-luxurious velvet quilt was now stained with mildew after being stored in the damp basement.
MANAS AND THE LOST KITTEN
After the half-yearly exams had ended, Manas began to feel bored at home. He insisted that he wanted a pet to keep him company.
The Ghost on the Hill
It had rained a lot in Champakvan that year. There were floods, and Cheeku rabbit and Jumpy monkey's homes had been washed away.
FINDERS, KEEPERS
Raji came out of her cool, thatched roof hut. The rough, sun-baked ground scorched her little feet. She looked up at the sun - it was still not very high in the sky. Judging by its position, Raji guessed it was around ten o'clock...
A Dog Named DOT
Dogs like Dot are found a dime a dozen on Chennai streets. Diya could never understand why that one particular dog who was just like any other brown and white dog, chose to pull at her heartstrings...
THE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION
10-year-old Mayank had just opened his tiffin box to eat when the aroma of his food spread through the class...
TARUN'S TALE
\"Stories should be like a breath of fresh air. They should give strength to our souls,\" Tarun's grandmother told him...
