Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
2) Lord Curzon brought some much needed reforms in Indian educational, scientific and political system. Critically analyse his role in India’s political history. (250 Words)
Why this question
Lord Curzon has been a controversial figure in India’s political history. On the one hand, he was responsible for the partition of Bengal, which epitomizes the British policy of divide and rule. But he also introduced some significant reforms in India’s education, administration, police, agriculture etc. Question is related to GS-1 syllabus under the following heading- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Key demand of the question.
The question demands us to analyze the role and contribution of Lord Curzon in India’s political history and give an opinion based on that analysis.
Directive word
Critically analyze- we have to examine both the positive as well as negative reforms, acts associated with Lord Curzon. We have to lay special emphasis on educational, scientific and political reforms. What we also have to discuss other reforms and the effects/repercussions of those acts, reforms.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- as the question involves many aspects, so in order to save time, you can directly introduce your answer by mentioning the positive role of Lord Curzon in India’s political history and then,
Body- in one part present in points those positive reforms.
e.g education- Raleigh Commission, Indian Universities Act, Agricultural Research Institute in Bihar; scientific- Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1904 etc. Also police Commission, famine Commission, irrigation Commission etc.
In the second part, discuss the partition of Bengal and other negative acts or negative points of above-discussed forms.
In 3rd part, discuss how Indian freedom struggle was affected by the policies, acts of Lord Curzon.
Conclusion- Draw a balanced conclusion from the above analysis.
