THE PARTITION OF BENGAL
The Map
That Sparked a Revolution: 5 Surprising Truths About the Partition of Bengal
1. Introduction: The Line That Divided a Nation
The 1905 Partition of Bengal stands as a
pivotal moment in the history of the British Raj, marking a clear turning point
toward the eventual end of colonial rule. While Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of
India, justified the partition as a practical measure to improve administrative
efficiency in an overly large province, the Indian populace perceived it as a
deliberate attempt to divide and weaken the growing nationalist movement. This
event was widely regarded as the second major political upheaval in India after
the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. Rather than quelling opposition, the partition served as
a catalyst, sparking widespread resistance and intensifying the struggle for
India's independence.
2. The "Hidden Agenda" of Administrative
Efficiency
The official British narrative was grounded in
numbers: a province of 7.8 crore (78 million) people was simply too large for
one Lieutenant Governor. Curzon’s plan was to carve out a new province—"Eastern
Bengal and Assam"—by annexing the territories of Dhaka, Chattagram, and
Rajshahi. However, archival records like the Risley Papers reveal
a far more cynical political motive. The British viewed the unified Bengali
population as a "big force" that needed to be dismantled.
The strategy was one of "division in
unity". By creating a new province where the 31 million inhabitants were
divided primarily into 18 million Muslims and 12 million Hindus, the colonial
government sought to "decimate the Hindu-Muslim unity". As Herbert
Risley, the Secretary of State, candidly noted, "The united Bengal
is a big force; the partition will destroy this big unity." It
was a tactical masterstroke of communal engineering designed to render the
politically active Hindu-Bengali intellectuals a minority in both regions, effectively
suppressing the "national uprising".
3. Rituals of Resistance: Rakhibandhan and Women at
the Forefront
On October 16, 1905, the day the partition was
implemented, Bengal did not just protest; it mourned. The day was observed as a
"National Mourning Day" through the ritual of Arandhan—the
cooling of hearths where no fires were lit in any kitchen. In a profound act of
cultural defiance, the poet Rabindranath Tagore reinvented the tradition
of Rakhibandhan. Thousands marched to the Ganges to tie Rakhi
threads on one another’s wrists, a symbolic vow of brotherhood between Hindus
and Muslims that challenged the cartographic surgery of the Raj.
This was also the moment the movement crossed the
threshold of the domestic sphere. Women, typically sequestered from the
political fray, became "dangerous antagonists" of the English. Sarala
Devi Choudhurini organised festivals like Bira-stami Brata to
train youth in physical resistance, while the Irish-born Sister Nivedita
(Margaret Elizabeth Noble) worked to transform the image of 'Banga Mata' into
'Bharat Mata', a symbol of the national motherland. From Bhabaneswari Devi’s call
for a mass movement to the thousands of mothers who shut their kitchens in
protest, the resistance became a deeply human, domestic, and spiritual
struggle.
4. From Boycotts to "Banga Lakshmi": The
Birth of National Industry
The political protest rapidly catalysed an economic
revolution known as 'Swadeshi'. The strategy was to strike at the very
reason for British presence: profit. Leaders like Arbinda Ghose championed a
total rejection of foreign goods, stating, "Boycotting means
patriotism, and the essence of patriotism is the non-co-operation with the
British in all respects." This was not merely a passive refusal
of British cloth; it was an active building of Indian self-reliance.
This era witnessed the birth of the nascent Indian
industrial complex. The "Banga Lakshmi Cotton Mill" was established
to clothe the people, while Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray founded "Bengal
Chemicals" in 1906. Even heavy industry saw its dawn with Jamshedji Tata’s
iron factory in 1907. Shops like the "United Bengal Stores" and
"Swadeshi Bhandar" replaced British outposts, proving that the
economic "drain of wealth" could be plugged through indigenous
enterprise.
5. The "Houses of Slaves":
Revolutionising Education
The resistance recognised that the British
educational system was a "Golam-khana"—a house of slaves—designed to
produce subservient clerks for the colonial machinery. When the government
issued the repressive Carlyle Circular on October 10, 1905,
threatening to punish students who joined the movement, it backfired
spectacularly. In direct defiance, students and leaders formed the "Anti-Circular
Society", marking the first major incident of mass student
disobedience against government orders.
Under the guidance of the National Education
Council (Jatiya Siksha Parisad), a parallel system of learning was born. On
August 15, 1906, the Bengal National College was established with Arbinda Ghose
as its first principal. The scale of this intellectual reclamation was
staggering: 62 secondary schools and 3,000 national primary schools were
founded. This movement was about more than just boycotting classrooms; it was about
reclaiming the Indian mind and training a generation to think as free citizens
of a future nation.
6. The Unexpected Outcome: A Shift in the Seat of
Power
After six years of relentless mass agitation, the
British were forced into a humiliating retreat. In December 1911, during the
Delhi Durbar, a royal proclamation announced the reunification of Bengal.
However, the victory was bittersweet and strategically nuanced. To escape the
"centre of Indian nationalism" and the revolutionary fervour they had
inadvertently fuelled in Calcutta, the British shifted the capital of India to
Delhi.
This physical relocation of the seat of power was a
silent admission of defeat. By moving the capital, the colonial government
hoped to distance itself from the volatility of Bengali politics. Yet, the
movement had already achieved its most critical goal: it had transformed the
Indian National Congress from a body of "peaceful demand" into a
vehicle for mass struggle. The physical move to Delhi signalled that the British
were no longer presiding over a submissive colony but were actively retreating
from a people they could no longer divide.
7. Conclusion: A Legacy of Unity and Struggle
The anti-partition movement was the laboratory
where the tools of the modern Indian freedom struggle were forged. The
principles of Swadeshi and non-cooperation developed during
these seven years would later become the foundational pillars of the national
movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. It proved that when a people are united by
shared identity and resolve, even the most calculated administrative lines
eventually fade.
The events of 1905–1911 leave us with an enduring
insight: identity is not defined by the ink on a colonial map but by the
shared sacrifices of a people determined to define their own destiny. Can a
line ever truly divide a nation, or does it only serve to remind the people of
what they must fight to keep whole?
Timeline of the Partition of Bengal and the Swadeshi Movement
|
Date / Period |
Event /
Incident |
Key Significance |
|
1765 |
Allahabad
Treaty |
The East India Company won political authority over Bengal, Bihar, and
Orissa. |
|
1773 |
Regulating
Act |
Upgraded the Governor of Bengal to Governor General. |
|
Feb 24, 1826 |
Treaty
of Yandabu |
The Brahmaputra valley came under British rule. |
|
1832 – 1854 |
Territorial
Annexations |
Cachar, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Naga Hills were brought under
British control. |
|
1857 |
Sepoy
Mutiny |
Led the British to reform Indian administration. |
|
1866 |
Orissa
Famine |
Approximately 10,000 people died, highlighting
administrative failure. |
|
Feb 7,
1874 |
Creation
of Assam State |
Assam was disjoined from Bengal to create a
separate province. |
|
1899 –
1905 |
Lord Curzon's
Reign |
The period during which the Partition of Bengal
was planned and implemented. |
|
March
28, 1903 |
Fraser's
Proposal |
Andrew Fraser submitted a re-demarcation plan to
Lord Curzon. |
|
June 1,
1903 |
Curzon's
Minute |
Curzon prepared the detailed 'Minute on
Territorial Re-distribution in India'. |
|
Dec 6,
1903 |
'Risley
Papers' |
The partition proposal was officially declared by
Secretary of State Hebert Risley. |
|
Feb 18,
1904 |
Dhaka
Rally |
Lord Curzon campaigned for partition support
among the Muslim community. |
|
July 6,
1904 |
'Bangar
Sarbanash' |
An influential article published in the journal Sanjibani
against partition. |
|
Feb 2,
1905 |
Proposal
to London |
Curzon sent the final partition proposal for
official British government approval. |
|
June 9,
1905 |
Official
Approval |
Secretary of State John Brodric approved the
partition plan. |
|
July
14, 1905 |
First
Protest Meeting |
Held at Khulna (Bagerbari) as the first major
public resistance. |
|
July
19, 1905 |
Official
Declaration |
The British Government of India officially
declared the Partition of Bengal. |
|
July
20, 1905 |
Dinazpur
Meeting |
The proposal to boycott British goods was passed at
the grassroots level. |
|
Aug 5,
1905 |
First
Jatiya Vidyalay |
Established following Rabindranath Tagore's
lecture on national education. |
|
Aug 7,
1905 |
Kasimbazar
Meeting |
Official acceptance of the proposal to boycott
foreign commodities. |
|
Sept 1,
1905 |
Phase
Declaration |
Lord Curzon declared the four-point
programme/phases of the partition. |
|
Oct 10,
1905 |
Carlyle
Circular |
Issued to prevent students from joining the nationalist
movement. |
|
Oct 16,
1905 |
Implementation
Date |
Partition came into force; observed as National
Mourning Day with Rakhibandhan. |
|
Nov 4,
1905 |
Anti-Circular
Society |
Formed by students to disobey government orders
against the movement. |
|
Dec 17,
1905 |
Industrial
Summit |
The first Indian industrial summit was held at Varanasi
to promote the indigenous industry. |
|
March
11, 1906 |
National
Education Council |
Formed to establish a national system of
education. |
|
July
25, 1906 |
Bengal
Chemicals |
Started by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy to
promote self-reliance. |
|
Aug 15,
1906 |
Bengal
National College |
Established with Arabinda Ghose as its first
principal. |
|
Oct 1,
1906 |
Simla
Deputation |
Aga Khan led a group to meet Viceroy Lord Minto
regarding Muslim rights. |
|
Dec 30,
1906 |
Muslim
League Formed |
The All India Muslim League was established at
Dhaka. |
|
1906 |
Calcutta
INC Session |
The demand for 'Swaraj' was accepted under
Dada Bhai Naoraji. |
|
1907 |
Tata
Iron Factory |
Established as a milestone for the national industry. |
|
1909 |
Morley-Minto
Reform |
Granted separate electorates for Muslims through
the Indian Council Act. |
|
March
1910 |
League
HQ Shift |
The head office of the Muslim League moved from
Dhaka to Lucknow. |
|
Dec 12,
1911 |
Unification
of Bengal |
The partition was repealed; the capital of India shifted
from Calcutta to Delhi. |
Answers to Exercise Questions
Very Short Answer Questions
1. In which Viceroy’s time did the partition of Bengal
take place?
Answer: It took place during
the time of Lord Curzon (1899-1905).
2. On which date in 1905 did the partition of Bengal
come into force?
Answer: The partition came into force on 16th October, 1905.
3. In which meeting was the proposal of giving up
foreign commodities accepted?
Answer: The proposal to boycott British goods was passed in a protest meeting at Dinazpur
on 20th July, 1905, presided over by the Maharaja of Dinazpur.
4. Who was the editor of the journal Jugaantar
published during the time of the Swadeshi movement?
Answer: The
editor of Yugantar (Jugaantar) was Bhupendra Nath Dutta.
5. When was the institution named National Education
Council (Jatiya Siksha Parisad) established in Bengal?
Answer: It was
established on 11th March, 1906.
6. Who was the main introducer of the industry, named
Bengal Chemicals?
Answer: The main
introducer was Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray.
7. Under whose presidentship did the Conference of
Indian National Congress accept the proposal of swaraj for Indians?
Answer: It was accepted under the presidentship of Dada Bhai Naoraji during
the Calcutta session in 1906.
8. When did the unification of Bengal take place?
Answer: The
unification of Bengal took place on 12th December, 1911.
Short/Long Answer Type Questions
1. Mention three main geographical regions of Bengal, which were annexed to
the province [Eastern] Bengal and Assam, created after the partition of Bengal.
Answer:
The three regions annexed were Dhaka, Chattagram (Chittagong), and Rajshahi.
2. Write briefly about the intentions of the
partition of Bengal.
Answer: Administrative: The
official reason was that the province was too large for a single Lieutenant
Governor to manage effectively.
Political: The "hidden
purpose" was to destroy the unity of Bengal, which was the centre of
Indian nationalism, and to turn Hindu-Bengalis into a minority in both new
provinces.
Communal: The British aimed to sow
seeds of communalism and increase the loyalty of Muslims to the British crown
to counter the national uprising.
3. Why was the anti-partition of Bengal movement named the Swadeshi
movement? Discuss briefly.
Answer: It was named the Swadeshi movement because it centred on the
public recommendation to boycott foreign goods and instead use home-made
(Swadeshi) goods manufactured in India. This was seen as a form of
"economic pressure" on the British and a symbol of patriotism.
4. Discuss the contributions of the Swadeshi movement towards national education.
Answer: The Swadeshi
movement made significant contributions to the development of national
education by encouraging a total boycott of British-controlled institutions
in favour of indigenous learning. This shift began as a reaction to repressive
government measures like the Carlyle Circular, which aimed to prevent
student participation in politics, leading to the formation of the 'Anti
Circular Society'. Prominent leaders such as Bipin Chandra Pal and Rabindranath
Tagore urged students to abandon "houses of slaves" (government
schools) and embrace a system that fostered patriotic sentiment. Key
institutional developments included the founding of the 'Dawn Society'
by Satish Chandra Mukherjee and the establishment of the National
Education Council (Jatiya Siksha Parisad) on March 11, 1906. This period
saw the creation of the Banga Jatiya Vidyalay, the Bengal Technical
Institute, and the Bengal National College, where Arabinda Ghose
served as the first principal. The movement's impact was widespread, resulting
in the establishment of approximately 62 secondary and 3000 national primary
schools across Bengal, while also inspiring the formation of national
universities in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
5. How did the national industries develop during the Swadeshi movement?
Explain in short.
Answer: The development of national industries during the Swadeshi
movement was driven by a growing mentality for self-reliance and
self-development among the people of Bengal. As the public began to boycott
foreign goods, the demand for locally manufactured products surged, leading to
the birth of both small-scale and large-scale industries. This period saw the
establishment of factories producing essential items such as mustard oil,
soap, sugar, matches, and biscuits, as well as the growth of national banks
and insurance companies to provide financial support.
Key figures played a vital role in this industrial awakening: Rabindranath Tagore established the textile firm 'Swadeshi Bhandar', while Nilratan Sarkar founded the 'Banga Lakshi Cotton Mill' in 1906. One of the most significant achievements was the start of 'Bengal Chemicals' by Acharya Prafulla Ray on July 25, 1906, and later, the establishment of an iron factory by Jamshedji Tata in 1907. Retail stores like the 'United Bengal Stores' and 'Lakshi Bhandar' were also opened to sell Indian-made products. This movement was further bolstered by the first Indian industrial summit in December 1905, chaired by R.C. Dutta, which successfully awakened Indians to the potential of indigenous industries and led to a marked decline in the import of foreign goods.
6. What were the
anti-movement measures taken by the British to dominate the Swadeshi movement?
Answer: Bribery of Leaders: They tried to keep moderate Congress leaders loyal by offering them
titles, medals, and high-ranking posts like judgeships.
Repression: They issued the Carlyle
Circular to stop students from participating and used police torture
against activists.
Communal Divide: They encouraged the formation
of the Muslim League to create a political rift between Hindus and
Muslims.
7. Mention three results of the Swadeshi movement.
Answer: (i) The unification of Bengal in 1911.
(ii) The shifting of India's capital from Calcutta to Delhi.
(iii) The
birth of a new era of national sentiment and armed movement that
inspired future freedom struggles, including those led by Mahatma Gandhi.
8. Mention three contributions of the Swadeshi movement.
Answer: (i) It provided Indians with political knowledge regarding mass
movements.
(ii) It changed the outlook of the Congress, making them realise that
progress required mass struggle rather than just peaceful demands.
(iii) It
led to a renaissance in national literature and art, such as the
patriotic songs of Rabindranath Tagore and the paintings of Abanindranath
Thakur.
Write Short Notes On:
1. Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore: He was a central figure who used his literature and influence to maintain social harmony. He called for the Rakhibandhan ceremony on 16th October 1905 to symbolise Hindu-Muslim unity. He composed numerous patriotic songs, including "Amar sonar Bangla," and established the "Swadeshi Bhandar" textile firm.
2. Margaret Elizabeth Noble
(Bhagini Nivedita): An Irish-born lady and disciple of Swami
Vivekananda who played a major role in creating national awareness among women
and youth. She was actively associated with various societies like the Dawn
Society and Anusilan Sammitee and encouraged people to become independent
through indigenous industries.
3. Nawab Salimullah: A prominent Muslim leader of Dhaka who initially supported the partition of Bengal after being campaigned to by Lord Curzon. He organised the historic meeting at Dhaka Palace on 30th December 1906, which led to the establishment of the All India Muslim League, serving as its leader.
Q:
How did the Carlyle Circular impact student participation in protests?
Answer: Impact of the Carlyle Circular on Students
The Carlyle Circular, issued on October 10, 1905, was a government warning intended to suppress student participation in the Swadeshi movement. However, the circular had the opposite effect; it provoked strong protests from the student community, who staged mass walkouts from their classrooms. This act of defiance led to the formation of the 'Anti Circular Society', the first significant instance of organised disobedience against a government order.
Q: Explain the significance of the Rakhibandhan
Ceremony in 1905.
Answer: Significance of the Rakhibandhan Ceremony:
On October 16, 1905, the day the partition came into force, Rabindranath Tagore called for the Rakhibandhan ceremony to symbolise Hindu-Muslim unity and fraternity. Thousands of people gathered to tie Rakhis on the hands of pedestrians and even visited mosques, such as those at Kalutola and Chitpur, to tie Rakhis on Muslim leaders (Moulabis). This ceremony served as a powerful protest against the British policy of "divide and rule," demonstrating the cultural and social bonds shared by the people of Bengal despite political partition.
Q: What role did the All India Muslim League play
afterwards?
Answer: Role of the All India Muslim League:
Following its establishment on December 30, 1906, the All India Muslim League aimed to increase the loyalty of the Muslim population toward the British and safeguard their specific political interests and rights. It emerged as an active political opponent to the Indian National Congress, successfully advocating for a separate electorate for Muslims, which was granted through the Indian Council Act (Morley-Minto Reform) of 1909. This organisation eventually became a significant political force used by the British to weaken the unified national movement led by the Congress.
Q: What was the role of the Dawn Society in
education?
Answer: Role of the Dawn Society in Education:
The Dawn
Society, founded by Satish Chandra Mukherjee with the cooperation of
Rabindranath Tagore, was a national institution dedicated to spreading patriotic
sentiment and national education among students. Mukherjee referred to
British-controlled universities as "houses of slaves" and encouraged
students to embrace indigenous learning instead. The society played a pivotal
role in the movement for national education, which eventually led to the
establishment of the National Education Council and various national
schools and colleges across Bengal.
Reflective Questions and Answers
1. How did the British "divide and rule"
policy specifically manifest during the Partition of Bengal, and how did the
local population attempt to subvert it?
Answer: The British policy manifested
by officially claiming the partition was for administrative convenience while
"hiddenly" aiming to destroy the unity of Bengal, which was the
centre of Indian nationalism. They sought to turn Hindu-Bengalis into a
minority in both provinces and actively campaigned to convince the Muslim
population that the partition would serve their specific interests. The
population subverted this through symbolic acts of unity, most notably the Rakhibandhan
ceremony suggested by Rabindranath Tagore, where people of different faiths
tied threads on one another's wrists to signify brotherhood. Additionally,
unified protest meetings were held where leaders from both the Hindu and Muslim
communities, such as Abdul Rassul and Liakat Hussain, stood together against
the British order.
2. In what ways did the Swadeshi movement
fundamentally change the ideology and strategy of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: Before the movement, the
Indian National Congress primarily believed in making "peaceful
demands" to the British government for development. However, the
"arrogance" of Lord Curzon’s administration and the forced partition
led the Congress to realise that progress was only possible through mass
struggle. This realisation shifted their focus from petitioning to active
resistance. Under the presidentship of Dada Bhai Naoraji in 1906, the Congress
officially accepted the demand for Swaraj (self-rule), marking a
transition from seeking minor reforms to demanding national independence.
3. Why was the "boycott of foreign goods"
considered a more powerful tool of resistance than traditional political
protest during this era?
Answer: The boycott was considered a
form of "economic pressure" on the British, hitting their trade
interests directly. Arbinda Ghose noted that boycotting was the "essence
of patriotism" because it was a total "non-cooperation with the
British in all respects". Unlike verbal protests, the boycott required
active participation from the masses and led to the revival of national industries.
It forced Indians to become self-reliant by establishing their own textile
mills, banks, and factories, such as the Banga Lakshi Cotton Mill and Bengal
Chemicals, thereby laying the groundwork for an independent national economy.
4. How did literature and the arts serve as a
"second front" in the fight against the partition of Bengal?
Answer: Literature and the arts
provided the emotional and cultural backbone of the movement. Journals like Bengali,
Sanjibani, and Yugantar were used to spread anti-partition
propaganda and create a "strong national sentiment". Patriotic songs
by Rabindranath Tagore, Rajanikanta Sen, and others inspired the public;
notably, Tagore’s song "Amar sonar Bangla Ami Tomake Bhal Basi"
eventually became a national anthem. In art, Abanindranath Thakur’s famous
painting 'Banga Mata' (later 'Bharat Mata') transformed the abstract
concept of the nation into a visual mother figure, fostering a deep, personal
connection to the motherland among activists.
5. What role did women play in the Swadeshi
movement, and why was their participation significant for the future of the
freedom struggle?
Answer: Women's participation was
significant because it broke traditional social barriers, as middle-class urban
women took to the streets and participated in protests and picketing. Leaders
like Sarala Devi Choudhurini organised youth festivals and trained boys
and girls in physical activities like wrestling to prepare them for the
national movement. Sister Nivedita also played a key role in creating
awareness among women and encouraging them to support indigenous industries.
Their involvement turned the freedom struggle into a truly "well-organized
level" struggle that encompassed the entire family and household, rather than
just being a political activity for men
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
Q: When was Bengal
partitioned?
Answer: 1905.
Q: Who announced the Partition
of Bengal?
Answer: Lord Curzon.
Q: Which British Viceroy
planned the partition?
Answer: Lord Curzon
Q: When did the partition come
into effect?
Answer: 16 October 1905.
Q: What was the capital of
British India at that time?
Answer: Calcutta.
Q: Which province was divided?
Answer: Bengal.
Q: What were the two new parts
of Bengal?
Answer: East Bengal and West
Bengal.
Q: What was the capital of
East Bengal?
Answer: Dacca (Dhaka).
Q: Which religion was dominant in East Bengal?
Answer: Muslim.
Q: Which religion was dominant
in West Bengal?
Answer: Hindu.
Q: What reason did Curzon give
for the partition of Bengal?
Answer: Administrative convenience.
Q: What was the real reason
behind the partition of Bengal?
Answer: Divide and rule policy.
Q: What does “divide and rule”
mean?
Answer: Dividing people to control them.
Q: Why did the British want to
weaken Bengal?
Answer: Because it was the centre of nationalism.
Q: Which class was leading
nationalism in Bengal?
Answer: Educated middle class.
Q: How did people react to the
partition of Bengal?
Answer: They opposed it.
Q: What movement started
against the partition of Bengal?
Answer: Swadeshi Movement.
Q: What does “Swadeshi” mean?
Answer: Use of local goods.
Q: What did people boycott?
Answer: British goods.
Q: What did people promote
during the Swadeshi Movement?
Answer: Indian goods.
Q: What was burned during the
protests against the partition of Bengal?
Answer: Foreign clothes.
Q: Who led the protest
movement against the partition of Bengal?
Answer: Indian nationalists.
Q: What slogan became popular
during the Swadeshi Movement?
Answer: Vande Mataram.
What did students do during
the protests against the partition of Bengal?
Answer: Boycotted schools and colleges.
Q: What did women do during
the protests against the partition of Bengal?
Answer: Took part in protests.
Q: Name a leader who supported the boycott strongly.
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Q: Who wrote Bande Mataram?
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Q: Which leader encouraged
self-reliance during the Swadeshi Movement?
Answer: Aurobindo Ghosh.
ASSERTION-REASONING
Instructions:
Choose the correct option:
A. Both assertion and
reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
B. Both assertion and reason are true, but reason is
not the correct explanation of the assertion.
C. Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
D. Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
1. Assertion
(A): Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905.
Reason
(R): He claimed that Bengal was too large to
administer.
Answer: A
2. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal created anger among
Indians.
Reason
(R): Indians believed the British followed a divide-and-rule policy.
Answer: A
3. Assertion
(A): Bengal was divided into East Bengal, Assam and West Bengal.
Reason
(R): The British wanted to improve administration.
Answer: A
4. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement promoted Indian products.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted to boycott foreign goods.
Answer: A
5. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement remained limited only
to Bengal.
Reason
(R): Many Indians from other provinces also supported
the movement.
Answer: D
6. Assertion
(A): Rabindranath Tagore inspired people during the
movement.
Reason
(R): He encouraged unity through Raksha Bandhan
celebrations.
Answer: A
7. Assertion
(A): The boycott movement was an important part of the
Swadeshi Movement.
Reason
(R): People refused to buy British goods.
Answer: A
8. Assertion
(A): Students participated actively in the Swadeshi
Movement.
Reason
(R): They joined meetings and protests.
Answer: A
9. Assertion
(A): The British supported the Swadeshi Movement.
Reason
(R): The movement encouraged Indian industries.
Answer: D
10. Assertion
(A): National schools and colleges were established
during the Swadeshi Movement.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted education free from British
control.
Answer: A
11. Assertion
(A): Women took part in the Swadeshi Movement.
Reason
(R): Women encouraged the use of Indian goods.
Answer: A
12. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal was cancelled in 1911.
Reason
(R): Continuous protests forced the British government
to withdraw the decision.
Answer: A
13. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement weakened Indian nationalism.
Reason
(R): The movement inspired patriotism and
self-reliance.
Answer: D
14. Assertion
(A): Lord Curzon believed Bengal was difficult to
administer.
Reason
(R): Bengal had a very large population.
Answer: A
15. Assertion
(A): Indians burnt foreign clothes during the movement.
Reason
(R): They wanted to protest against British rule.
Answer: A
16. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement promoted self-reliance.
Reason
(R): Indians were encouraged to depend on local
products.
Answer: A
17. Assertion
(A): Newspapers played an important role in the
movement.
Reason
(R): They spread nationalist ideas among the people.
Answer: A
18. Assertion
(A): The British government encouraged protests against
partition.
Reason
(R): They wanted Indians to unite.
Answer: D
19. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal increased political
awareness.
Reason
(R): Indians understood British political motives.
Answer: A
20. Assertion
(A): Public meetings became common during the
anti-partition movement.
Reason
(R): Leaders wanted to organize peaceful protests.
Answer: A
21. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi industries developed during the movement.
Reason
(R): People preferred Indian-made goods.
Answer: A
22. Assertion
(A): The movement encouraged national unity.
Reason
(R): People from different communities joined together.
Answer: A
23. Assertion
(A): The British wanted to strengthen Indian unity
through partition.
Reason
(R): Their hidden aim was to divide Indians.
Answer: D
24. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal became a turning point in
Indian history.
Reason
(R): It led to mass protests against British rule.
Answer: A
25. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement was only an economic
movement.
Reason
(R): It also had political and educational importance.
Answer: D
26. Assertion
(A): Indian leaders encouraged boycott of British
goods.
Reason
(R): Boycott would hurt British trade interests.
Answer: A
27. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement spread patriotic
feelings.
Reason
(R): Indians united against colonial policies.
Answer: A
28. Assertion
(A): The Muslim League was formed after the partition
of Bengal.
Reason
(R): The British encouraged communal divisions.
Answer: A
29. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi leaders encouraged people to use foreign
products.
Reason
(R): They wanted British industries to grow.
Answer: D
30. Assertion
(A): National education became popular during the
movement.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted patriotic education.
Answer: A
31. Assertion
(A): Lord Curzon introduced several unpopular policies.
Reason
(R): Many Indians opposed his administration.
Answer: A
32. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal affected only politics.
Reason
(R): It also influenced culture and education.
Answer: D
33. Assertion
(A): Protest meetings were organized against partition.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted the decision to be cancelled.
Answer: A
34. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement encouraged cottage
industries.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted economic self-dependence.
Answer: A
35. Assertion
(A): British goods were publicly boycotted.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted to weaken British economic control.
Answer: A
36. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement inspired future
freedom movements.
Reason
(R): It introduced new methods of protest.
Answer: A
37. Assertion
(A): Rabindranath Tagore opposed the partition of
Bengal.
Reason
(R): He believed Bengal should remain united.
Answer: A
38. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement promoted Indian handloom
products.
Reason
(R): Handloom goods symbolized self-reliance.
Answer: A
39. Assertion
(A): The British administration welcomed nationalist
newspapers.
Reason
(R): Newspapers criticized British policies.
Answer: D
40. Assertion
(A): Indians celebrated Raksha Bandhan during the
movement.
Reason
(R): It symbolized unity among people.
Answer: A
41. Assertion
(A): The movement encouraged indigenous industries.
Reason
(R): Boycott of foreign goods increased demand for
Indian products.
Answer: A
42. Assertion
(A): Students were discouraged by national leaders from
participating.
Reason
(R): Students played an active role in protests.
Answer: D
43. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal created dissatisfaction
among Indians.
Reason
(R): Indians suspected political motives behind the
partition.
Answer: A
44. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi leaders encouraged self-help.
Reason (R): Indians needed to become economically independent.
Answer: A
45. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement used peaceful methods.
Reason
(R): Public meetings and processions were organized.
Answer: A
46. Assertion
(A): British industries suffered due to the boycott
movement.
Reason
(R): Demand for British goods declined.
Answer: A
47. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal strengthened nationalism.
Reason
(R): Indians united against British policies.
Answer: A
48. Assertion
(A): National education institutions were established.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted to reduce dependence on British
education.
Answer: A
49. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement encouraged the use of
machine-made British cloth.
Reason
(R): Swadeshi leaders promoted Indian products instead.
Answer: D
50. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement was supported by many
intellectuals.
Reason
(R): Writers and teachers spread nationalist ideas.
Answer: A
51. Assertion (A): The British divided Bengal in 1905. Reason (R): The decision faced immediate opposition. Answer: B
52. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement created economic awareness.
Reason
(R): People understood the importance of Indian
industries.
Answer: A
53. Assertion
(A): Public bonfires of foreign goods were organized.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted to reject foreign products.
Answer: A
54. Assertion
(A): The movement increased political participation
among common people.
Reason
(R): Nationalist leaders reached out to the masses.
Answer: A
55. Assertion
(A): The British encouraged national unity through
partition.
Reason
(R): Their policy was divide and rule.
Answer: D
56. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement inspired later national
movements.
Reason
(R): It introduced boycott and self-reliance.
Answer: A
57. Assertion
(A): Indians opposed the partition because it divided
Bengali-speaking people.
Reason
(R): Language and culture were important to the people
of Bengal.
Answer: A
58. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi leaders promoted Indian industries.
Reason
(R): Economic independence was necessary for freedom.
Answer: A
59. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement had no cultural
impact.
Reason
(R): Songs and literature inspired nationalism.
Answer: D
60. Assertion
(A): The British government tried to suppress the
movement.
Reason
(R): The movement threatened British authority.
Answer: A
61. Assertion
(A): Indians organized processions against partition.
Reason
(R): Public demonstrations expressed opposition to
British rule.
Answer: A
62. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement supported Indian artisans.
Reason
(R): Demand for local goods increased.
Answer: A
63. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement developed national
consciousness.
Reason
(R): Indians became more aware of colonial
exploitation.
Answer: A
64. Assertion (A): Rabindranath Tagore supported British partition policy. Reason (R): He actually opposed the division of Bengal. Answer: D
65. Assertion
(A): National schools encouraged patriotic ideas.
Reason
(R): Education was linked with nationalism.
Answer: A
66. Assertion
(A): Boycott of British goods became popular.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted to protest economically.
Answer: A
67. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal affected only Bengal.
Reason
(R): Nationalist feelings spread across India.
Answer: D
68. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement promoted Indian enterprise.
Reason
(R): People invested in Indian businesses.
Answer: A
69. Assertion
(A): The movement encouraged people to spin and wear
Indian cloth.
Reason
(R): It reduced dependence on British textiles.
Answer: A
70. Assertion
(A): Students and youth became politically active.
Reason
(R): The movement inspired patriotic feelings.
Answer: A
71. Assertion
(A): The British government praised boycott campaigns.
Reason
(R): Boycott harmed British trade.
Answer: D
72. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement encouraged sacrifice.
Reason
(R): People gave up foreign comforts for national
interest.
Answer: A
73. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi leaders promoted indigenous education.
Reason
(R): British-controlled education lacked nationalist
spirit.
Answer: A
74. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal was introduced suddenly.
Reason
(R): Indians had little opportunity to oppose it
beforehand.
Answer: B
75. Assertion
(A): The movement promoted unity among Hindus and
Muslims initially. Reason (R): Both communities opposed the partition at
first.
Answer: A
76. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement encouraged use of local
industries.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted economic independence.
Answer: A
77. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement inspired songs and
poems.
Reason
(R): Literature became a tool of nationalism.
Answer: A
78. Assertion
(A): The British administration ignored public
protests.
Reason
(R): Protesters demanded cancellation of partition. Answer:
B
79. Assertion
(A): Nationalism grew stronger after 1905.
Reason
(R): Partition united Indians against colonial rule.
Answer: A
80. Assertion
(A): The boycott movement had economic importance.
Reason
(R): British trade suffered losses.
Answer: A
81. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi industries received public support.
Reason
(R): Indians preferred local goods over imported ones.
Answer: A
82. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal had educational effects.
Reason
(R): National educational institutions were created.
Answer: A
83. Assertion
(A): Women remained completely absent from the
movement.
Reason
(R): Many women participated actively in protests.
Answer: D
84. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement encouraged public
unity.
Reason
(R): People joined together in mass protests.
Answer: A
85. Assertion
(A): The British aimed to divide nationalist forces.
Reason
(R): Bengal was a strong center of nationalism.
Answer: A
86. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement was inspired by patriotism.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted freedom from colonial control.
Answer: A
87. Assertion
(A): National leaders encouraged passive acceptance of
partition.
Reason
(R): They organized protest campaigns instead.
Answer: D
88. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal was a political issue.
Reason
(R): It influenced Indian nationalism deeply.
Answer: A
89. Assertion
(A): The boycott movement was peaceful in nature.
Reason
(R): People protested mainly through non-cooperation.
Answer: A
90. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi products became symbols of nationalism.
Reason
(R): Using Indian goods showed patriotic support.
Answer: A
91. Assertion
(A): Indians opposed the partition immediately.
Reason
(R): They feared division of Bengali society.
Answer: A
92. Assertion
(A): National education was connected with
self-respect.
Reason
(R): Indians wanted control over their own
institutions.
Answer: A
93. Assertion
(A): The British government promoted Indian industries
during the movement.
Reason
(R): British authorities feared economic nationalism.
Answer: D
94. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement influenced future
leaders.
Reason
(R): It introduced new forms of political action.
Answer: A
95. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement encouraged handmade goods.
Reason
(R): Handmade products represented Indian
self-reliance.
Answer: A
96. Assertion
(A): Political meetings increased after partition.
Reason
(R): Leaders wanted to mobilize public opinion.
Answer: A
97. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal was purely administrative.
Reason
(R): Many Indians believed political motives were
involved.
Answer: D
98. Assertion
(A): The movement helped spread nationalism to
villages.
Reason
(R): Public campaigns reached common people.
Answer: A
99. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi leaders wanted Indians to depend on
foreign industries.
Reason
(R): They actually promoted indigenous industries.
Answer: D
100. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement promoted collective
action.
Reason
(R): Indians worked together against British rule.
Answer: A
101. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal became a symbol of
colonial injustice.
Reason
(R): Indians viewed it as a divisive policy.
Answer: A
102. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement encouraged patriotism among
youth.
Reason
(R): Students participated in nationalist activities.
Answer: A
103. Assertion
(A): Rabindranath Tagore used literature to inspire
nationalism.
Reason
(R): Songs and poems spread patriotic feelings.
Answer: A
104. Assertion
(A): Boycott movements had no effect on British trade.
Reason
(R): Imports of British goods declined.
Answer: D
105. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement encouraged
self-confidence.
Reason
(R): Indians realized the strength of united action.
Answer: A
106. Assertion
(A): National schools were started to oppose colonial
education.
Reason
(R): British education ignored Indian nationalism.
Answer: A
107. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal was welcomed by
nationalists.
Reason
(R): Nationalists strongly opposed it.
Answer: D
108. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi ideas spread through newspapers.
Reason
(R): Journalism became a tool of nationalism.
Answer: A
109. Assertion
(A): The movement encouraged sacrifice of personal
comfort.
Reason (R): Indians gave up cheap foreign goods.
Answer: A
110.
Assertion (A): The
anti-partition movement united educated Indians. Reason (R):
Intellectuals opposed British policies. Answer: A
111. Assertion
(A): The British feared growing nationalism in Bengal.
Reason
(R): Bengal was a center of political activities.
Answer: A
112. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi industries grew because of public
support.
Reason
(R): Indians preferred local products.
Answer: A
113. Assertion
(A): Public protests became stronger after 1905.
Reason
(R): Partition angered many Indians.
Answer: A
114. Assertion
(A): The movement ignored economic issues.
Reason
(R): Economic self-reliance was an important goal.
Answer: D
115. Assertion
(A): Nationalism spread rapidly after partition.
Reason
(R): The movement involved many sections of society.
Answer: A
116. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement promoted Indian
entrepreneurship.
Reason
(R): Indians opened local industries and businesses.
Answer: A
117. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement increased political
awareness among students.
Reason
(R): Students attended meetings and rallies.
Answer: A
118. Assertion
(A): The British administration encouraged anti-British
newspapers.
Reason
(R): Newspapers criticized colonial policies.
Answer: D
119. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal was reversed in 1911.
Reason
(R): Public opposition remained strong for years.
Answer: A
120. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi leaders believed economic freedom was
important.
Reason
(R): Political freedom required economic independence.
Answer: A
121. Assertion
(A): The movement encouraged Indians to support local
craftsmen.
Reason
(R): Local industries needed public support.
Answer: A
122. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement had no effect on future
politics.
Reason
(R): It influenced later national movements.
Answer: D
123. Assertion
(A): Public songs and cultural programs spread
nationalism.
Reason
(R): Culture became part of the movement.
Answer: A
124. Assertion
(A): Indians organized strikes during the movement.
Reason
(R): They wanted to protest against colonial rule.
Answer: A
125. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal created distrust toward
British policies.
Reason
(R): Indians suspected divide and rule tactics.
Answer: A
126. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi products symbolized national pride.
Reason
(R): Indians connected local products with patriotism.
Answer: A
127. Assertion
(A): The British encouraged Indian self-reliance.
Reason
(R): Swadeshi ideas challenged colonial interests.
Answer: D
128. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement involved both urban
and rural people.
Reason
(R): Nationalist campaigns reached wider society.
Answer: A
129. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement emphasised dignity of
labour.
Reason
(R): Indians were encouraged to support local
production.
Answer: A
130. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal strengthened anti-colonial
feelings.
Reason
(R): Indians opposed unfair British decisions.
Answer: A
131. Assertion (A): Protesters avoided foreign sugar and salt. Reason (R): Boycott covered many imported goods. Answer: A
132. Assertion
(A): National leaders used speeches to inspire people.
Reason
(R): Public awareness was necessary for mass movements.
Answer: A
133. Assertion
(A): The British wanted Bengal to remain politically
united.
Reason
(R): They feared united nationalist activities.
Answer: D
134. Assertion
(A): Swadeshi leaders encouraged use of khadi and
handloom cloth.
Reason
(R): Indian cloth represented self-reliance.
Answer: A
135. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement increased
participation of middle-class Indians.
Reason
(R): Educated Indians became politically active.
Answer: A
136. Assertion
(A): The movement encouraged Indians to respect local
industries.
Reason
(R): Economic nationalism became important.
Answer: A
137. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal was accepted without
protest.
Reason
(R): Huge demonstrations were organized against it.
Answer: D
138. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement inspired confidence in Indian
capabilities.
Reason
(R): Indians saw that they could produce their own
goods.
Answer: A
139. Assertion
(A): Newspapers criticized colonial exploitation.
Reason
(R): Journalism became part of the nationalist
struggle.
Answer: A
140. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement promoted patriotic
songs.
Reason
(R): Songs inspired unity and nationalism.
Answer: A
141. Assertion
(A): The British administration viewed the Swadeshi
Movement as harmless.
Reason
(R): The movement challenged colonial authority.
Answer: D
142. Assertion
(A): The boycott movement encouraged economic
nationalism.
Reason
(R): Indians supported indigenous products.
Answer: A
143. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal encouraged political
debates.
Reason
(R): Indians discussed colonial policies more actively.
Answer: A
144. Assertion
(A): The movement inspired later leaders of the freedom
struggle.
Reason
(R): It demonstrated the power of mass participation.
Answer: A
145. Assertion (A): Swadeshi leaders encouraged foreign investment in Indian industries.
Reason (R): They promoted local industries
instead.
Answer: D
146. Assertion
(A): Public awareness increased during the movement.
Reason
(R): Meetings, newspapers, and speeches spread
information.
Answer: A
147. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement strengthened Indian
nationalism.
Reason
(R): Indians united against British rule.
Answer: A
148. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement had educational
significance.
Reason
(R): National institutions were founded during the
movement.
Answer: A
149. Assertion
(A): The British used the divide-and-rule policies in
India.
Reason
(R): The partition of Bengal aimed to weaken unity.
Answer: A
150. Assertion
(A): The anti-partition movement became an important
chapter in India’s freedom struggle.
Reason
(R): It awakened national consciousness across the
country.
Answer: A
151. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement encouraged collective
national effort.
Reason
(R): Indians worked together to oppose colonial rule.
Answer: A
152. Assertion
(A): The partition of Bengal created strong emotional
reactions.
Reason
(R): People felt their cultural unity was threatened.
Answer: A
153. Assertion
(A): The movement encouraged Indians to become
self-dependent.
Reason
(R): Reliance on foreign goods weakened local industries.
Answer: A
154. Assertion
(A): Protest meetings helped spread nationalism.
Reason
(R): Public gatherings increased political awareness.
Answer: A
155. Assertion
(A): The Swadeshi Movement combined economic and
political goals.
Reason
(R): Boycott of foreign goods challenged British power.
Answer: A
MCQ
1. Who partitioned Bengal in 1905?
A. Lord Mountbatten
B. Lord Curzon
C. Lord Ripon
D. Lord Dalhousie
Answer: B. Lord Curzon
2. In which year was Bengal partitioned?
A. 1903
B. 1904
C. 1905
D. 1911
Answer: C. 1905
3. What was the main official reason given for the
partition of Bengal?
A. Economic development
B. Administrative convenience
C. Educational reform
D. Military expansion
Answer: B. Administrative convenience
4. Which movement started against the partition of
Bengal?
A. Non-Cooperation Movement
B. Civil Disobedience Movement
C. Swadeshi Movement
D. Quit India Movement
Answer: C. Swadeshi Movement
5. What does the term “Swadeshi” mean?
A. Foreign goods
B. British goods
C. Indian goods
D. Imported goods
Answer: C. Indian goods
6. Which policy did Indians believe the British
followed through the partition?
A. Subsidiary Alliance
B. Doctrine of Lapse
C. Divide and Rule
D. Forward Policy
Answer: C. Divide and Rule
7. Who inspired people through Raksha Bandhan
celebrations during the movement?
A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C. Rabindranath Tagore
D. Bipin Chandra Pal
Answer: C. Rabindranath Tagore
8. Which of the following was a feature of the
Swadeshi Movement?
A. Use of foreign cloth
B. Boycott of British goods
C. Support to British industries
D. Import of foreign goods
Answer: B. Boycott of British goods
9. The partition divided Bengal into:
A. North and South Bengal
B. East Bengal and Assam, and West Bengal
C. Bengal and Bihar
D. Bengal and Odisha
Answer: B. East Bengal and Assam, and West Bengal
10. Which class of people actively participated in the
Swadeshi Movement?
A. Students
B. Women
C. Intellectuals
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these
11. What did Indians boycott during the Swadeshi
Movement?
A. Indian goods
B. British goods
C. Handloom products
D. National schools
Answer: B. British goods
12. Which type of industries grew during the Swadeshi
Movement?
A. Foreign industries
B. British industries
C. Indigenous industries
D. None of these
Answer: C. Indigenous industries
13. In which year was the partition of Bengal
cancelled?
A. 1908
B. 1909
C. 1910
D. 1911
Answer: D. 1911
14. What was one result of the Swadeshi Movement?
A. Decline in nationalism
B. Growth of national consciousness
C. End of education
D. Support for British rule
Answer: B. Growth of national consciousness
15. Which method was widely used to protest against
partition?
A. Boycott
B. Silence
C. Military attack
D. Tax collection
Answer: A. Boycott
16. What kind of education developed during the
movement?
A. British education
B. National education
C. Foreign education
D. Religious education
Answer: B. National education
17. Which British Viceroy partitioned Bengal?
A. Lord Wellesley
B. Lord Curzon
C. Lord Hastings
D. Lord Canning
Answer: B. Lord Curzon
18. Why did Indians oppose the partition?
A. It divided Bengali-speaking people
B. It reduced trade
C. It ended education
D. It increased taxes only
Answer: A. It divided Bengali-speaking people
19. What did people burn during boycott movements?
A. Indian clothes
B. British clothes
C. Books
D. Food grains
Answer: B. British clothes
20. Which feeling increased due to the anti-partition
movement?
A. Regionalism
B. Nationalism
C. Isolation
D. Fear
Answer: B. Nationalism
21. Which famous poet supported the anti-partition
movement?
A. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
B. Rabindranath Tagore
C. Sarojini Naidu
D. Subramania Bharati
Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore
22. What did the Swadeshi Movement encourage people to
buy?
A. British goods
B. Imported cloth
C. Indian-made goods
D. Foreign products
Answer: C. Indian-made goods
23. Which organization was formed in 1906?
A. Indian National Army
B. Muslim League
C. Swaraj Party
D. Forward Bloc
Answer: B. Muslim League
24. What was one hidden aim of partition according to
Indians?
A. To improve education
B. To divide Indians
C. To increase industries
D. To help farmers
Answer: B. To divide Indians
25. Who among the following were active in the
movement?
A. Students
B. Teachers
C. Women
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these
26. What was promoted through the Swadeshi Movement?
A. Dependence on Britain
B. Self-reliance
C. Foreign trade only
D. Western culture only
Answer: B. Self-reliance
27. Which province became a center of nationalism?
A. Punjab
B. Bengal
C. Assam
D. Bihar
Answer: B. Bengal
28. What kind of products were encouraged during the
movement?
A. Imported products
B. Luxury goods
C. Indigenous products
D. European products
Answer: C. Indigenous products
29. What did newspapers spread during the movement?
A. Entertainment only
B. Nationalist ideas
C. British propaganda only
D. Religious teachings only
Answer: B. Nationalist ideas
30. Which event united Indians against British rule?
A. Partition of Bengal
B. First World War
C. Simon Commission
D. Revolt of 1857
Answer: A. Partition of Bengal
31. Which type of schools were established during the
movement?
A. Missionary schools
B. National schools
C. Foreign schools
D. Military schools
Answer: B. National schools
32. The Swadeshi Movement encouraged:
A. Use of foreign cloth
B. Economic nationalism
C. British trade D. Imported goods
Answer: B. Economic nationalism
33. Which community celebrations were used to promote
unity?
A. Holi
B. Eid
C. Raksha Bandhan
D. Christmas
Answer: C. Raksha Bandhan
34. Who suffered economically due to the boycott
movement?
A. Indian farmers
B. British traders
C. Indian artisans
D. Students
Answer: B. British traders
35. Which section of society became politically aware
during the movement?
A. Students
B. Women
C. Common people
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these
36. Which movement followed the partition of Bengal?
A. Khilafat Movement
B. Swadeshi Movement
C. Quit India Movement
D. Home Rule Movement
Answer: B. Swadeshi Movement
37. What did the boycott movement mainly target?
A. Indian products
B. Foreign goods
C. Handicrafts
D. Agriculture
Answer: B. Foreign goods
38. Which quality grew among Indians during the
movement?
A. Loyalty to British rule
B. Self-confidence
C. Fear
D. Isolation
Answer: B. Self-confidence
39. What was one aim of national education?
A. To support colonial rule
B. To spread patriotism
C. To increase imports
D. To reduce literacy
Answer: B. To spread patriotism
40. What was a major impact of the movement?
A. Growth of nationalism
B. Decline of unity
C. Increase in British popularity
D. End of political awareness
Answer: A. Growth of nationalism
41.Who organized anti-partition protests?
A. National leaders
B. British officers
C. Foreign traders
D. Missionaries
Answer: A. National leaders
42. What was encouraged instead of foreign cloth?
A. Silk imports
B. Indian handloom cloth
C. British textiles
D. European fabric
Answer: B. Indian handloom cloth
43. Which movement promoted indigenous industries?
A. Civil Disobedience Movement
B. Swadeshi Movement
C. Quit India Movement
D. Khilafat Movement
Answer: B. Swadeshi Movement
44. What did people organize to oppose partition?
A. Celebrations
B. Public meetings
C. Foreign tours
D. Sports events
Answer: B. Public meetings
45. What was one result of boycott campaigns?
A. Growth of British trade
B. Decline of British imports
C. End of Indian industries
D. Increase in foreign cloth use
Answer: B. Decline of British imports
46. Which movement encouraged Indians to depend on
local goods?
A. Swadeshi Movement
B. Champaran Movement
C. Quit India Movement
D. Bardoli Movement
Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement
47. Who among the following opposed the partition?
A. Nationalists
B. British officials
C. European traders
D. Foreign companies
Answer: A. Nationalists
48. What was one important method used during the
movement?
A. Violence only
B. Economic boycott
C. Tax payment
D. Foreign cooperation
Answer: B. Economic boycott
49. Which idea became stronger after partition?
A. Colonialism
B. National unity
C. Regional hatred
D. Foreign dependence
Answer: B. National unity
50. What was promoted by Swadeshi leaders?
A. Foreign investment only
B. Indian enterprise
C. British factories
D. Imported products
Answer: B. Indian enterprise
51. Which year saw the beginning of the Swadeshi
Movement?
A. 1885
B. 1905
C. 1911
D. 1920
Answer: B. 1905
52. What did Indians do with foreign goods during protests?
A. Sold them cheaply
B. Distributed them freely
C. Burnt them publicly
D. Exported them
Answer: C. Burnt them publicly
53. Which idea was central to the Swadeshi Movement?
A. Dependence on Britain
B. Self-help and self-reliance
C. Military training
D. Religious conversion
Answer: B. Self-help and self-reliance
54. Which group of people spread nationalist ideas
through writings?
A. Journalists
B. Writers
C. Intellectuals
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these
55. What was the reaction of Indians to partition?
A. Full support
B. Strong opposition
C. No reaction
D. Foreign migration
Answer: B. Strong opposition
56. Which movement increased political awareness among
students?
A. Swadeshi Movement
B. Quit India Movement
C. Non-Cooperation Movement
D. Home Rule Movement
Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement
57. Which slogan best matched the Swadeshi Movement?
A. Buy British Goods
B. Use Indian Goods
C. Support Foreign Trade
D. Depend on Imports
Answer: B. Use Indian Goods
58. Who tried to weaken nationalism through partition?
A. Indian leaders
B. British government
C. Students
D. Farmers
Answer: B. British government
59. What kind of feelings were spread through patriotic
songs?
A. Fear
B. Nationalism
C. Hatred for education
D. Isolation
Answer: B. Nationalism
60. Which province was directly affected by the
partition?
A. Punjab
B. Bengal
C. Bombay
D. Madras
Answer: B. Bengal
61. What did the Swadeshi Movement oppose?
A. Indian
industries
B.
British economic control
C.
National schools
D.
Patriotism
Answer: B. British economic control
62. Which leader used cultural programs to spread
unity?
A.
Rabindranath Tagore
B.
Mahatma Gandhi
C.
Jawaharlal Nehru
D.
Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: A. Rabindranath Tagore
63. What happened to British goods during boycott
campaigns?
A. Their
demand increased
B. Their
demand decreased
C. They
became free
D. They
were exported more
Answer: B. Their demand decreased
64. Which movement encouraged national industries?
A.
Swadeshi Movement
B. Revolt
of 1857
C. Quit
India Movement
D.
Champaran Movement
Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement
65. What did Indians want through national education?
A.
Colonial control
B.
Patriotic learning
C.
Foreign domination
D.
Military expansion
Answer: B. Patriotic learning
66. What did the anti-partition movement strengthen?
A.
British rule
B.
National unity
C.
Foreign trade
D.
Colonial education
Answer: B. National unity
67. Which movement emphasized indigenous products?
A.
Swadeshi Movement
B. Home
Rule Movement
C.
Khilafat Movement
D. Quit
India Movement
Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement
68. What was one hidden objective of the British?
A.
National unity
B. Divide
Indians
C.
Promote Indian industries
D. Spread
patriotism
Answer: B. Divide Indians
69. Which people played a major role in organizing
protests?
A.
National leaders
B.
British officials
C.
European traders
D.
Foreign missionaries
Answer: A. National leaders
70. What type of movement was the Swadeshi Movement?
A.
Economic and political
B.
Religious only
C.
Military only
D.
Cultural only
Answer: A. Economic and political
71. What was encouraged instead of imported goods?
A.
Foreign cloth
B. Local
products
C.
British sugar
D.
European goods
Answer: B. Local products
72. Which event became a turning point in Indian
nationalism?
A.
Partition of Bengal
B. First
World War
C. Simon
Commission
D. Cripps
Mission
Answer: A. Partition of Bengal
73. Which people participated in boycott campaigns?
A.
Students
B. Women
C. Common
people
D. All of
these
Answer: D. All of these
74. What did the movement encourage people to wear?
A. British cloth
B. Indian-made cloth
C. Imported silk
D. European dresses
Answer: B. Indian-made cloth
75. What was one major impact of the Swadeshi Movement?
A. Economic self-reliance
B. Dependence on imports
C. Decline of Indian industries
D. End of protests
Answer: A. Economic self-reliance
76. Which policy became unpopular among Indians?
A. Partition policy
B. National education
C. Boycott movement
D. Swadeshi industries
Answer: A. Partition policy
77. What kind of awareness increased among Indians?
A. Political awareness
B. Social awareness
C. Economic awareness
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these
78. What did patriotic songs encourage?
A. Foreign trade
B. National unity
C. Colonial loyalty
D. Silence
Answer: B. National unity
79. Which products symbolized nationalism?
A. British products
B. Imported goods
C. Swadeshi products
D. European products
Answer: C. Swadeshi products
80. Why did British authorities fear the movement?
A. It strengthened colonial rule
B. It challenged British authority
C. It supported imports
D. It reduced nationalism
Answer: B. It challenged British authority
81. What did Indians establish during the movement?
A. National educational institutions
B. Foreign banks
C. British factories
D. Colonial offices
Answer: A. National educational institutions
82. Which event led to mass protests in Bengal?
A. Partition of Bengal
B. First World War
C. Simon Commission
D. Quit India Movement
Answer: A. Partition of Bengal
83. Which movement encouraged indigenous enterprise?
A. Swadeshi Movement
B. Civil Disobedience Movement
C. Non-Cooperation Movement
D. Home Rule Movement
Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement
84. What happened because of the boycott movement?
A. Increase in British sales
B. Decline in British trade
C. End of nationalism
D. Growth of imports
Answer: B. Decline in British trade
85. What did the anti-partition movement create among
Indians?
A. Fear
B. National consciousness
C. Isolation
D. Division only
Answer: B. National consciousness
86. Who among the following encouraged self-reliance?
A. Swadeshi leaders
B. British officials
C. European traders
D. Missionaries
Answer: A. Swadeshi leaders
87. What was one aim of the boycott movement?
A. Increase foreign trade
B. Hurt British economic interests
C. End Indian industries
D. Support imports
Answer: B. Hurt British economic interests
88. Which movement inspired future national movements?
A. Swadeshi Movement
B. Partition policy
C. British trade movement
D. Colonial reforms
Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement
89. Which section of society spread nationalist
writings?
A. Journalists
B. Writers
C. Teachers
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these
90. What did the British claim about partition?
A. It would divide India
B. It was for administrative convenience
C. It was for trade only
D. It would end nationalism
Answer: B. It was for administrative convenience
91. What did Indians suspect about the partition?
A. It aimed to strengthen unity
B. It aimed to weaken nationalism
C. It aimed to help industries only
D. It aimed to improve culture only
Answer: B. It aimed to weaken nationalism
92. Which movement emphasized boycott and self-help?
A. Swadeshi Movement
B. Revolt of 1857
C. Quit India Movement
D. Home Rule Movement
Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement
93. What did national leaders encourage during the
movement?
A. Use of British products
B. Public participation
C. Colonial loyalty
D. Foreign dependence
Answer: B. Public participation
94. What happened to Indian nationalism after
partition?
A. It weakened completely
B. It became stronger
C. It disappeared
D. It remained unchanged
Answer: B. It became stronger
95. What was the effect of Swadeshi industries?
A. Economic growth of local industries
B. Decline of local production
C. Dependence on imports
D. Closure of factories
Answer: A. Economic growth of local industries
96. Which movement encouraged Indians to reject
colonial control?
A. Swadeshi Movement
B. British Reform Movement
C. Cripps Mission
D. Cabinet Mission
Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement
97. What kind of movement was the anti-partition
movement?
A. Nationalist movement
B. Religious movement
C. Military movement
D. Trade movement
Answer: A. Nationalist movement
98. Which activity spread patriotic feelings?
A.
National songs
B. Public
meetings
C.
Boycott campaigns
D. All of
these
Answer: D. All of these
99. What did Indians want after years of protest?
A. Continuation of partition
B. Cancellation of partition
C. More foreign goods
D. British expansion
Answer: B. Cancellation of partition
100. What was one long-term effect of the movement?
A. Rise of Indian nationalism
B. End of patriotism
C. Growth of colonial rule
D. Decline of political awareness
Answer: A. Rise of Indian nationalism
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