Q. Which of the following events took place in the year 1911 ?
1. Partition of Bengal revoked
2. Transfer of capital from Calcutta to Delhi
3. Lucknow pact between Congress and Muslim League
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
Code :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3
(d) Only 1
Answer: (a) 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Both events were announced on 12 December 1911 by King George V at the Delhi Durbar held to commemorate his coronation.
The Partition of Bengal, introduced by Lord Curzon in 1905, was annulled in 1911. The partition had come into effect on 16 October 1905, dividing Bengal and creating the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam, with its capital at Dacca. The decision had generated widespread opposition and contributed significantly to the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements.
At the same Delhi Durbar, King George V also announced the transfer of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi. The decision was partly motivated by the growing importance of Calcutta as a centre of nationalist political activity and by the British desire to associate the imperial government with Delhi’s historical significance as a seat of political power.
The administrative reorganisation following the annulment of the partition was implemented in 1912. Bengal was reorganised, while Bihar and Orissa were separated from Bengal to form a new province, and Assam was placed under a Chief Commissioner.
The construction of the new imperial capital at Delhi was undertaken according to plans prepared principally by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The new capital, later known as New Delhi, was formally inaugurated in 1931.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Lucknow Pact between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League was concluded in December 1916, not 1911. The pact represented an important phase of cooperation between the two organisations, with the Congress agreeing to the principle of separate electorates for Muslims and certain forms of political representation and weightage.
Therefore, Statements 1 and 2 only relate to the year 1911.
Hence, the correct answer is (a) 1 and 2.
Other events of 1911 worth holding:
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale’s Bill for compulsory elementary education, introduced in March, was rejected by the Imperial Legislative Council;
- Jana Gana Mana was first sung on 27 December at the Calcutta session of the Congress;
- Mohun Bagan had won the IFA Shield earlier in the year
Similar Question Asked The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until – UPSC 2014↗