Place an estimate on the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements.
Lord Curzon was Governor General with high imperial ambition. He was known to look down upon Indians as unworthy and treated them as inferior. The policies of Curzon are termed reactionary as they stem from small incidents and do not have a long term vision.
Policies of Lord Curzon
- Partition of Bengal
The partition of Bengal was one of the biggest policy blunders of Curzon. It was aimed at dividing Bengal communally into Hindu majority West Bengal and Muslim majority East Bengal. He propped up the Muslim league to counter Indian National Congress.
- University Commission
Curzon had a major role in reforming Universities by bringing in University Commission in 1904. The Commission initiated the process of improving educational standards in higher education.
- Calcutta corporation Act
Curzon introduced the Calcutta Corporation Act in 1899 that reduced number of elected Indian members in the corporation. He termed Indians as unworthy and aimed to make administration completely British dominated.
- Ancient monuments Act
The Ancient monuments Act 1904 was introduced by Curzon to protect important monuments in the empire. It made protection of monuments compulsory under the act.
Implications of policies on national movement
- Rise of nationalism
The partition of Bengal started mass movement in Bengal as well as across the country. The anti-partition movement, Swadeshi movement and Vande Mataram movement were all effect of Curzon’s policies.
- Rise of communalism
Curzon was the proponent of communal politics. He pitted Muslim leaders against congress leaders in an attempt to divide the country but it strengthened the movement.
- Alienate Indian support
Curzon’s policies effectively alienated sympathetic Indians from British administration. As the effects of policies unravelled, it started the process of British withdrawal.
Thus, Curzon’s policies were short-sighted and reactionary that ultimately proved to be decisive in extending British administration in India.
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