"The Anti-Partition Agitation (1909) had an economic character in Bengal unlike the Extremist Agitation in Maharashtra which had a religious character." Examine.

The Anti-Partition Agitation in Bengal (1905-1911) – An Economic Character

The Partition of Bengal in 1905, ostensibly for administrative efficiency, was widely perceived as a deliberate attempt to divide and rule, and crucially, to weaken the economically dominant Bengali community. The eastern part of Bengal, with its fertile land and thriving jute industry, was separated and merged with Bihar and Orissa. This had several economic consequences:

• Economic Disruption: The partition disrupted established trade networks and hindered the growth of Bengali businesses, particularly in the jute industry.
• Increased Taxation: Concerns arose that the new administration would impose heavier taxes on the Bengali population.
• Loss of Employment: The shift in administrative control led to fears of job losses for Bengalis in government services.
• Impact on Landholding: The partition affected the landholding patterns and the economic interests of the zamindars (landlords) who were key participants in the agitation.

The initial phase of the agitation involved moderate methods like petitions and protests. However, it soon escalated with the rise of Swadeshi (promoting Indian goods) and Boycott (of British goods) movements. These were directly aimed at economic self-reliance and weakening British economic control. The leadership, while including figures with nationalist ideals, was largely driven by the economic interests of the Bengali elite – landowners, businessmen, and professionals. The focus was on protecting their economic standing and challenging the perceived economic discrimination by the British.

The Extremist Agitation in Maharashtra – A Religious Character

The Extremist movement in Maharashtra, emerging in the early 1900s, differed significantly in its focus. While economic grievances existed, the movement was primarily driven by a desire to revive Indian culture and religion and achieve Swaraj (self-rule). Key features included:

• Religious Revivalism: Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak used religious festivals, particularly Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti, to mobilize public opinion and foster a sense of national identity. These festivals were transformed into platforms for nationalist propaganda.
• Cultural Nationalism: The movement emphasized the glorification of Indian history, culture, and traditions, particularly the Maratha legacy.
• Advocacy for Swaraj: Tilak’s famous slogan, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” encapsulated the movement’s demand for complete independence.
• Emphasis on Self-Help: While advocating for Swaraj, the movement also promoted self-reliance and the development of indigenous industries, but this was often framed within a cultural and religious context.

The Extremist leaders in Maharashtra saw British rule as a threat not only to India’s political freedom but also to its cultural and religious identity. Their speeches and writings were filled with references to Hindu mythology, epics, and historical figures, aiming to inspire a sense of pride and patriotism. The economic aspects, while present, were secondary to the overarching goal of cultural and religious revival and the attainment of Swaraj.

Comparative Analysis

Feature	Anti-Partition Agitation (Bengal)	Extremist Agitation (Maharashtra)
Primary Driver	Economic Grievances (Partition’s impact on trade, land, employment)	Religious & Cultural Revivalism (Hindu identity, Maratha legacy)
Key Tactics	Swadeshi, Boycott, Petitions, Protests	Religious Festivals, Public Speeches, Nationalist Propaganda
Leadership	Bengali Elite (Landowners, Businessmen, Professionals)	Religious & Cultural Leaders (Tilak, Savarkar)
Economic Focus	Central – Protecting economic interests, challenging economic discrimination	Secondary – Self-reliance framed within cultural context
Cultural Focus	Present, but less dominant than economic concerns	Central – Glorification of Indian culture and history

While both movements contributed to the broader Indian nationalist struggle, their distinct characters reflect the specific socio-economic and cultural contexts of their respective regions. The Bengal agitation was a direct response to a perceived economic threat, while the Maharashtra agitation was a more comprehensive attempt to revive Indian identity and achieve political independence.