Subject: Modern History

Answer:

Lord Curzon served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, implementing numerous administrative reforms and policies that significantly impacted the trajectory of India's national movement. His tenure was marked by both progressive reforms and controversial decisions that catalyzed nationalist sentiments.

Administrative Reforms and Their Impact

• Educational Reforms: The Indian Universities Act of 1904 increased government control over universities, leading to protests from educated Indians and strengthening the demand for Swadeshi Education.

• Police and Military Reforms: Establishment of Imperial Cadet Corps and Police Commission of 1902 modernized the forces but maintained British dominance, fueling nationalist resentment.

• Ancient Monuments Protection Act 1904: Created the Archaeological Survey of India, preserving India's cultural heritage while demonstrating British authority over Indian history.

Economic and Territorial Policies

• Creation of NWFP: The formation of North-West Frontier Province in 1901 strengthened British control but showed their strategic concerns over Russian expansion.

• Currency Reforms: Introduction of Gold Standard and establishment of Railway Board in 1905 improved infrastructure but primarily served British commercial interests.

• Calcutta Corporation Act 1899: Reduced Indian representation in local governance, leading to increased demands for self-governance.

Partition of Bengal and Its Consequences

• The Partition of Bengal in 1905 became a watershed moment, triggering:
  • Launch of Swadeshi Movement promoting indigenous industries and boycott of British goods.
  • Rise of Extremist Leadership under Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
  • Emergence of Revolutionary Movement in Bengal with organizations like Anushilan Samiti.

Long-term Implications

• Political Awakening: Curzon's policies united moderate and extremist nationalists, leading to the Surat Split of 1907.

• Economic Nationalism: The Swadeshi movement inspired later economic programs including Gandhi's Khadi Movement.

• Educational Impact: His university reforms sparked demands for national education, resulting in institutions like National Council of Education.

Curzon's administration, while aiming at efficiency and consolidation of British rule, inadvertently strengthened the Indian National Movement. The resistance to his policies, particularly the Bengal Partition, transformed Indian nationalism from moderate constitutionalism to assertive nationalism, laying the foundation for Gandhi's Mass Movements and the eventual struggle for complete independence. His era marked a crucial turning point in India's freedom struggle, demonstrating how administrative actions could catalyze national consciousness.