Partition of Bengal took place twice, once between 1905 and 1911 and then in 1947, during India's independence. The first attempt to part Bengal then extending to present day Bangladesh and parts of Assam, was attempted by British Indian Governor General Lord Curzon in 1905.
The first partition of Bengal was attempted for administrative feasibility. The population of 85 million spread over this Ganges Brahmaputra delta region was not being properly monitored from Calcutta. To make administration easier Lord Curzon planned of splitting Bengal into East and West Bengal with Calcutta Being the capital of West Bengal, and Dacca the capital of East Bengal.
This planned division of Bengal received strong opposition from the learned citizens and scholars of Calcutta and Bengal. They viewed it
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as a policy of the British Governor General to adopt the policy of 'divide and rule'. Widespread unrest, attempted assassination by revolutionary terrorists, and growing activities of political associations forced Lord Curzon to withdraw the plan of partitioning Bengal.
The second and successful attempt of partition of Bengal came about in 1947 during India's independence. This partition was based on religious sentiments. Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Mahatma Gandhi agreed for the splitting of Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan, with India having majority of Hindus, and Pakistan a majority of Muslims. Bengal was divided into West Bengal and East Pakistan, with West Bengal having majority of Hindus, and East Pakistan a majority of Muslims.
This partition of Bengal brought about long lasting effects on the socio-economic spheres of life in both West Bengal and East Pakistan.
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