Swadeshi Movement — Key Changes

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
N/A (Administrative Order)	1905	The Partition of Bengal, formally announced in July 1905 and implemented on October 16, 1905, divided the Bengal Presidency into two new provinces: Bengal (comprising Western Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa) and Eastern Bengal and Assam. This was an administrative decree by Lord Curzon's government.	Directly triggered the Swadeshi Movement, leading to widespread protests, boycotts, and the emergence of assertive nationalism. It was perceived as a 'divide and rule' tactic, aiming to weaken Bengali political unity.
Seditious Meetings Act	1907	This act empowered the government to prohibit public meetings deemed likely to cause 'public excitement' or promote sedition. It required prior notice and permission for public gatherings, especially in areas declared 'proclaimed areas'.	Severely curtailed freedom of assembly and speech, used by the British to suppress the Swadeshi Movement by preventing mass gatherings and arresting leaders. It was a key tool in the government's repressive arsenal.
Explosive Substances Act	1908	Passed in response to the increasing incidents of revolutionary terrorism (e.g., Alipore Bomb Case), this act made the possession of explosive substances with intent to endanger life or property a serious offense, punishable by long imprisonment or transportation.	Aimed at curbing the rise of revolutionary terrorism that emerged in the wake of the Swadeshi Movement's repression. It led to the arrest and conviction of many young revolutionaries.
Indian Press Act	1910	This act gave the government extensive powers to demand security deposits from publishers and editors, and to forfeit presses and publications that printed 'objectionable matter' (i.e., seditious content).	Drastically curtailed the freedom of the vernacular press, which had been a powerful tool for nationalist propaganda during the Swadeshi Movement. Many nationalist newspapers were forced to close or operate under severe restrictions.
N/A (Administrative Reversal)	1911	At the Delhi Durbar, King George V announced the annulment of the Partition of Bengal. Bengal was reunited, but Bihar and Orissa were separated to form new provinces. The capital of British India was also shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.	A significant political victory for the Swadeshi Movement, demonstrating the power of sustained popular agitation. However, it came after the movement had largely subsided and was accompanied by other administrative changes.