Lord Curzon's regime marked an important stage in the development of political unrest in our country. In this context answer the following question:

(a) What were the two primary objectives of the British for partitioning Bengal?

(b) What events are associated with 16 October, 1905, the Day on which Partition was effected?

(a) The two primary objectives of the British for partitioning Bengal were-

1. The Government regarded the size of the Province of Bengal to be too large to be properly administered by a single Provincial Government. The partition of Bengal, said Curzon, "was a mere readjustment of administrative boundaries." The argument advanced in favour of the partition was that it would improve the administration of both the Provinces: (i) Bengal, and (ii) East Bengal and Assam.
2. The Secretary to the Government of India noted that the Government was in favour of bringing all the Oriya, i.e., Oria-speaking people under the administration of Bengal.

(b) Events associated with 16 October, 1905 were:

1. The leaders declared it to be "a day of mourning" throughout Bengal.
2. Every city, town and village now rang with the cry of 'Bande Mataram', which symbolised patriotism and unity.
3. Anand Mohan Bose, a veteran political leader, presided over a mammoth meeting at Kolkata.
4. He laid the foundation of a Federation Hall, which was to be the symbol of the unity of Bengal, a meeting ground of the Eastern and Western Bengal.
5. All the people gathered there took the vow of Swadeshi.
6. Rabindranath Tagore wrote his famous patriotic song 'Amar Sonar Bangla' (My Golden Bengal), especially for the occasion.