Mains Daily Question
March 12, 2024
Q1. Lord Curzon’s egregious policies have transcended time and haunted the present. Comment. (10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: Understanding the question: The question talks about the Lord Curzon, who was the viceroy of British India between 1899-1905. Here, we have to talk about how the policies of Lord Curzon are still haunting India today, and to some extent are answers to some of India’s problems today. Introduction: We can introduce the answer by either stating who Lord Curzon was, or we can talk about the policies of Lord Curzon. Body: The directive used is comment thus in the first part of the body we have to put out the egregious policies of the Curzon and then in the second part of the body need to provide the Impact on India Presently. Conclusion: We can conclude by either summarizing the arguments of the body section or stating the impact of Lord Curzon’s policies on India in the long run. |
Answer:
Lord Curzon, a British Conservative statesman, served as Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. His tenure is marked by several policies and actions that had a lasting impact on India, some of which continue to influence the country today.
Lord Curzon's Egregious Policies:
- Formation of North-West Frontier Province: In 1901, Lord Curzon created the North-West Frontier Province by separating it from Punjab, which has historical significance and remains a part of Pakistan.
- Invasion of Tibet: Britain launched two invasions into Tibet in 1888 and during 1903-1904, aiming to establish exclusive colonial influence in the region. This created cross-border challenges for India in its relations with Tibet.
- Curtailing Indian Liberty: Lord Curzon attempted to stifle the growing political aspirations of the educated Indian middle class. He passed the Calcutta Municipal Amendment Act, 1899, which reduced elected representation in the Calcutta Corporation.
- Controlling Indian Education: To counter rising nationalism, Curzon introduced regulations that curbed the Indian education system, such as the Indian Universities Act (1904), which placed Calcutta University under government control.
- Curtailing Press Freedom: Curzon imposed restrictions on the press, including the Indian Official Secrets Amendment Act (1904), which curtailed press freedom.
- Partition of Bengal: The partition of Bengal was viewed as a British attempt to weaken the nerve center of Indian nationalism. It led to communal tensions and is seen as the beginning of communal politics in India.
Impact on Present India
- Communalism: The partition of Bengal introduced communalism into mainstream politics, leading to historical tensions between Hindus and Muslims, which still have repercussions today.
- Tibet Issue: British actions in Tibet created challenges for modern India in dealing with cross-border issues related to Tibet and its relations with China.
- Partition of Indian Territories: The creation of the North-West Frontier Province and the partition of Bengal had lasting effects on India's territorial boundaries, with some areas joining Pakistan post-independence.
Positives of Lord Curzon's Policies for Present India:
- Foreign Policy Lessons: Lord Curzon's foreign policy teaches present-day India to focus on:
- Security beyond its shores.
- Maintaining friendly relations with neighbors, especially Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Offering strategic alternatives to counter China's influence in the region.
- Agriculture Reforms: The Co-operative Credit Societies Act of 1904, aimed at saving peasants from high-interest moneylenders, contributed to India's successful cooperative movement today.
Lord Curzon's tenure as Viceroy left a mixed legacy in India. While his policies incited communalism and curtailed freedom, they also unintentionally fueled the Indian Freedom Struggle. Additionally, some of his policies offer valuable lessons for modern India's foreign policy and agricultural reforms.
