Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, was born on this day.
He was born in an aristocratic Derbyshire family and in his early life travelled through Russia and Asian countries and wrote about his political views on the region in several books. He was appointed under-secretary of state for India in 1891 and Viceroy in 1899.
He is remembered most for presiding over the Partition of Bengal in 1905, but as Viceroy he was responsible for adopting many other measures, some of which were intended for the welfare of Indians. He started commissions of inquiry into education, police, and civil services; reduced taxes and ordered the immediate punishment of any British person who ill-treated an Indian. He ordered the restoration of Taj Mahal. He prioritised security on Indian borders.
Following his return to England in 1905, a setback for him, he became the chancellor of Oxford University. Later he joined the Cabinet, was appointed leader of the House of Lords and foreign secretary. He was disappointed after being passed over for the Prime Minister’s post.
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