EASTERN BENGAL AND ASSAM UNDER LT. GOVERNOR (1906-1912)

The period from 1906 to 1912 represents a crucial transitional phase in Assam’s colonial history, marked by the Partition of Bengal (1905), administrative restructuring, and long-term demographic changes that continue to influence Assam even today.

This era reflects how colonial policies shaped politics, identity, and society, often without considering the interests of local people.

Formation of the New Province (1905–1906)

The story begins with one of the most controversial events in Indian history — the Partition of Bengal (1905).

What was the Partition of Bengal?

• The British divided Bengal into:
  • Western Bengal
  • Eastern Bengal and Assam
• Assam was merged with East Bengal, forming a new province called Eastern Bengal and Assam.

Key Features of the New Province

• Governed by a Lieutenant Governor
• Capital shifted to Dhaka
• Assam lost its separate administrative identity

For the people of Assam, this meant decisions affecting their lives were now taken in Dhaka, which was geographically and culturally distant.

Administrative Setup and Limited Representation

The British introduced a Legislative Council, but it was far from democratic. It was the example of Colonial Bureaucracy.

Structure of the Council

• Total members: 15
• Assam’s representation: Only 2 members

Major Limitations

• Members were not elected
• They were nominated by select groups
• Public participation was almost absent

Even if Assamese people had grievances (like land or taxes), they had almost no real political voice to express them.

Public Reaction to the Partition

In Bengal

• Massive protests
• Boycotts of British goods
• Rise of nationalist sentiment

In Assam

• Reaction was moderate but significant
• People were unhappy with:
  • Loss of identity
  • Administrative neglect

Annulment of Partition (1911)

Due to widespread opposition, the British:

• • Cancelled the partition in 1911
  • Restored Assam’s separate administrative status

This shows how public pressure and protest movements could force even the British government to reverse decisions.

Impact of the Swadeshi Movement (1905–1908)

The Swadeshi Movement was a major nationalist response to the partition.

What was Swadeshi?

• Boycott of foreign goods
• Promotion of indigenous products
• Rise of national consciousness

Impact in Assam

• Limited compared to Bengal
• Assam remained on the periphery of the movement

Notable Participation

• Ambikagiri Raychoudhury was inspired by Swadeshi ideals

While Bengal saw large-scale protests, Assam witnessed individual participation rather than mass movements.

Encouraged Migration from East Bengal

One of the most important and long-lasting impacts of this period was migration policy.

(A) Colonial Policy on Agricultural Expansion

• The British wanted to increase agricultural production
• They encouraged peasants from East Bengal to migrate to Assam

Where were they settled?

• In char areas (riverine lands) of the Brahmaputra Valley

These migrants cleared forests and cultivated previously unused land, increasing rice production.

(B) Rise in Immigrant Population

• Between 1905 and 1921, the immigrant population increased four times

Impact:

• Boosted agriculture
• But also created demographic imbalance

Demographic Transformation and Its Effects

This migration had long-term consequences.

Immediate Effects

• Increase in population
• Expansion of cultivated land

Long-Term Effects

• Change in ethnic composition
• Pressure on:
  • Land
  • Resources
  • Identity

Over time, competition for land between indigenous people and migrants led to tensions.

Roots of the Assam Agitation (1979)

The migration issue did not end with British rule—it continued even after independence.

What happened later?

• Growing concern over illegal immigration
• Fear of losing Assamese identity

Assam Agitation (1979) Demands

• Detection of illegal immigrants
• Deportation of foreigners
• Protection of:
  • Land
  • Culture
  • Political rights

What began as a colonial economic policy eventually turned into a major political movement decades later.

Summary 

The period of Eastern Bengal and Assam under a Lieutenant Governor (1906–1912) may have lasted only a few years, but its effects were deep and long-lasting.

Key Takeaways

• • Assam lost and regained its administrative identity
  • Faced limited political representation
  • Experienced early nationalist influence
  • Underwent major demographic transformation

The British policies during this period were aimed at administrative convenience and economic gain, but they unintentionally created long-term social and political challenges that continue to shape Assam’s history.