Question
Give an account of labour movements during the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement.
Answer
The Anti-Partition of Bengal movement was accompanied by several labour movements. The jute mill workers, who were mostly Bengali Muslims, went on strike in protest against the partition of Bengal. The strike began on 20th July 1905, the same day the partition was announced. The workers demanded the cancellation of the partition and the protection of their rights. The strike continued for several weeks, with workers from other industries also joining in. In addition, the labour leaders of the movement, including Sripati Gupta and Narendranath Bhattacharya, organized meetings and rallies to raise awareness among the workers. The movement spread to other parts of Bengal, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Jessore. The workers also refused to work for British companies, and some even went on a hunger strike. The movement eventually forced the British government to withdraw the partition of Bengal in 1911. The labour movements during the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement demonstrated the close link between political and economic grievances and the importance of worker solidarity in achieving political goals.
