Which movement was started as a reaction to the Partition of Bengal?
Explanation
The Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, announced the Partition of Bengal on 19 July 1905 (some sources also mention 20 July 1905). In protest against this announcement, a historic meeting was held at the Calcutta Town Hall, where the formal declaration was made of the Swadeshi Movement. When the Partition of Bengal was implemented in October 1905, that day was observed as a “Day of Mourning”. On the suggestion of Rabindranath Tagore, it was also observed as “Rakhi Day”. Nationalists observed this day to demonstrate the unbroken unity of Bengal. On the lines of Tagore’s Shantiniketan, the Bengal National College was established. Very soon, many national schools were set up across the country. In March 1906, the National Council of Education was formed. The Swadeshi Movement raised the slogan of self-reliance and self-power. The question of self-support and self-reliance was linked with national self-respect, honour, and self-confidence. The Congress, in its Calcutta Session (1906), also passed four resolutions related to the Swadeshi Movement, the Boycott Movement, National Education, and Self-government. Thus, it is clear that in opposition to the Partition of Bengal, nationalists launched movements such as Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education, and Self-government.
