Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India (1899-1905), implemented a range of policies that aimed at consolidating British control and reinforcing imperial interests. However, many of his measures, intended to suppress resistance, unintentionally intensified nationalist sentiment and paved the way for a more radical phase of the Indian freedom struggle.

Body

Curzon's Key Policies and its Contribution to the National Movement:

• Partition of Bengal (1905): Curzon’s partition of Bengal, justified as an administrative measure, strategically split the province along religious lines to weaken Bengali nationalism and divide Hindus and Muslims.
  • Contribution: It sparked widespread protests, particularly from the educated middle class and political leaders like Lal- Bal- Pal.
    • It led to the formation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which called for a boycott of British goods, and eventually contributed to the establishment of the Muslim League(1906).
    • This backlash united diverse sections of Indian society, strengthened the Indian National Congress, and marked the first major pan-Indian anti-colonial movement.
• Educational and Administrative Reforms: Curzon’s educational reforms (Indian University Act, 1904), aimed at curbing nationalist ideas by tightening control over universities and reducing their number.
  • Contribution: It alienated the Indian intellectual class, especially the emerging middle class.
    • Seen as an effort to suppress national consciousness, particularly in institutions like Calcutta University, these measures backfired, fueling radicalization and uniting the educated elite against colonial rule.
• Military Measures: Curzon's military policies, including increased spending and army reorganization, aimed to strengthen British control but were seen by Indians as excessive.
  • Contribution: These policies led to the further alienation of the Indian elites, and fueled anti-colonial sentiment.
    • The Indian National Congress became more vocal in its opposition to British rule, with the rise of leaders who were more confrontational in their approach.
• Famine Policies and Economic Impact: Curzon’s handling of the Bengal famine of 1900, which resulted in the deaths of millions, was widely criticized. The British response to the famine, which was perceived as inadequate, deepened Indian resentment toward the British administration.
  • Contribution: Curzon's policies contributed to the economic exploitation of India. The continued drain of wealth, high taxes, and the manipulation of agricultural resources led to widespread poverty.
    • The famine, coupled with the economic policies of the British, provided material evidence of the exploitation of India.
    • This galvanized public opinion against British rule, leading to increased participation in the nationalist movement.

Conclusion

Lord Curzon’s policies, intended to strengthen British control, unintentionally accelerated India’s national movement. His efforts to suppress nationalism, sparked protests, radicalized groups, and unified Indian leaders, ultimately intensifying the freedom struggle and paving the way for India's demand for full independence.