Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements. (150 words) [2020]

Lord Curzon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, implemented a number of policies that had long-term implications on the national movements in India. Some of these policies included:

The Imperial Cadet Corps in 1901: This military training program for Indian students was seen as an attempt to create a loyal and reliable class of Indian officials and administrators, and was opposed by many Indian nationalists.

The Official Secrets Act of 1904: This act gave the government sweeping powers to suppress dissent and to punish those who leaked government information. It was seen as an attempt to silence criticism and to stifle the freedom of the press, and was opposed by many Indian nationalists.

The Universities Act of 1904: This act aimed to reform the administration and curriculum of Indian universities, and was seen by many as an attempt to impose Western education and values on India.

The Ancient Monuments Protection Act of 1904: This act gave the government the power to acquire and protect ancient monuments and sites. It was viewed as an attempt to control and appropriate India’s cultural heritage.

The partition of Bengal in 1905: This policy aimed to divide the predominantly Muslim eastern region of Bengal from the predominantly Hindu western region, and was seen as an attempt to divide the Indian nationalist movement and to create a separate Muslim identity.