6.Describe partition of Bengal.

The Partition of Bengal, a major event in the history of British India, took place in 1905. It was carried out by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India. The main reason behind the partition was the British policy of 'Divide and Rule'.

1. Background: Bengal was the largest province in British India and it was very difficult for the administrative machinery to manage such a large province. It was also a center of nationalism and the British wanted to weaken the nationalist movement.

2. The Partition: On 16 October 1905, Bengal was divided into two provinces - Bengal (comprising western Bengal as well as the provinces of Bihar and Orissa) and East Bengal and Assam. The partition divided the Hindu majority areas of West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa from the Muslim majority areas of East Bengal and Assam.

3. Reaction: The partition was met with widespread protests and opposition from the Indian National Congress and the people of Bengal. The 'Swadeshi Movement' was launched as a protest against the partition.

4. Annulment: The widespread protests and political pressure eventually led to the annulment of the partition in 1911. However, the seeds of communal division were sown which had far-reaching consequences in the future.

5. Aftermath: The partition of Bengal had a significant impact on India's freedom struggle. It led to the rise of extremist leaders in the Congress and also marked the beginning of Muslim separatism in India. The partition also led to the creation of communal tensions which eventually led to the partition of India in 1947.