Extremism And The Partition Of Bengal - General Knowledge of Modern India

The political rise of the extremists stemmed from the anti-partition demonstrations within the Congress. When the British government refused to annul the partition of Bengal despite mass demonstrations by the people of Bengal, many young leaders became disillusioned with the government. Gaya, these were called neo-nationalists or extremists. Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and Arvind Ghosh were prominent extremist leaders. They were called extremists because they believed that success could be achieved only through militant means.

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Reasons For The Rise Of Extremism

Unable to achieve any significant achievement by the Moderates / Liberals except the expansion of the Legislative Councils under the Indian Councils Act (1909).
Even after the plague and famine of 1896-97, which caused a deterioration in the economic condition of the people of India, there was no change in the exploitative policies of the British.
Apartheid with Indians in South Africa.
The event of Russo-Japanese War of 1904 to 05 played an important role in the national awakening.

Major Extremists

Bal Gangadhar Tilak: He is also called 'Lokmanya'. The weekly papers named 'Maratha' (in English) and 'Kesari' (in Hindi) brought out by him played a revolutionary role in the attacks on British rule. In 1916 he founded the Home Rule League in Poona and gave the slogan "Swarajya Mera". It is a birthright and I will have it."
Lala Lajpat Rai: He was called 'Shere-Punjab' or 'Lion of Punjab'. He played an important role in the Swadeshi Movement. It was he who gave the slogan 'Go back Simon'.
Bipin Chandra Pal: He was a liberal at first but later became an extremist. He played an important role in the Swadeshi movement. Through his influential speeches and writings, he took the idea of nationalism to every nook and corner of the country.
Arvind Ghosh: This was another extremist leader who took an active part in the Swadeshi movement.

Division of Bengal

The partition of Bengal was implemented in India by the British Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1905, due to which the following were-
Breaking the strength of Bengali nationalism as Bengal was the center of Indian nationalism.
Dividing Hindus and Muslims in Bengal.
To show that the British government is so powerful that it can do whatever it wants.

Extremism And The Partition Of Bengal - General Knowledge of Modern India