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The reversal of the partition of Bengal in 1911 made the Muslims question their loyalty to the British government. Do you agree with the statement or not? Give one valid reason for your answer.

User Lyle Z
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Final answer:

The reversal of the partition of Bengal in 1911 likely made Muslims question their loyalty to the British government due to the British tendency to use 'divide and rule' strategies, and the shifting British policies fostering uncertainty and mistrust.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reversal of the partition of Bengal in 1911 indeed made the Muslims question their loyalty to the British government. Following the partition initiated in 1905, the British had made religious divisions more pronounced in the region, favoring certain groups over others, and disrupting local economies and societies. The undoing of this partition may have created a sense of uncertainty amongst Muslims, who could have perceived the reversal as a shift in British policy that could adversely affect their social and political interests. Further estrangement was felt due to the Indian National Congress being predominantly Hindu and not reflective of Muslim interests. Additionally, separate representation was granted to Muslims under British rule through the Muslim League, suggesting the British were manipulating communal divisions for their own benefit.

Several historical instances, like the Government of India Act in 1935, pointed towards the British Empire's preferential treatment of divergent groups, which led to mistrust. The British Raj was known for its 'divide and rule' policy that had long-term consequences on communal relationships in the subcontinent. Therefore, the reversal of the partition of Bengal might have been seen by Muslims as another move in the game of British political manipulation, which would have undoubtedly influenced their loyalty.

User Matheno
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