History of Press in India

This article is about the history of the press, its emergence and role during the British
colonial rule, its contribution and regulations that wanted to curb media freedom.

TABLE OF CONTENT
 Evolution of the press
 Contribution of Press
 Governmental restrictions on press
Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. India is one of the biggest democracies in the world and
is ranked second in print media. News publications faced many issues and challenges during
British rule. The press faced obstacles from colonial rule and illiteracy and had to overcome
many rules that suppressed free speech.

The press became an important tool to raise awareness about the need to unify against the
British and achieve independence. The press was a major advocate of modern ideas such as
democracy, freedom, equality, and patriotism.

Evolution of the press

Though newspapers existed in 1556 in Goa, even before the colonial rule, the emergence of the
free press was marked by the establishment of the newspaper The Bengal Gazette. It was
founded by James Augustus Hickey in 1780. Back then, newspapers were printed to criticise the
anti-Indian policies of the British government and highlight the misconduct of its officers. Many
freedom fighters were behind the establishment of various newspapers.

Some of the prominent newspapers include:

 G. Subramaniya Aiyar founded The Hindu in 1878 and Swadesamitran in 1899

 Surendranath Banerjee, popularly known as the Father of Indian Nationalism, was the editor of
the newspaper Bengalee in 1905
 The Grand Old Man of India, Dadabhai Naoroji, spoke against colonial rule in the Voice of India
during the 1940s
 To overcome illiteracy in India, Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded Kesari in Marathi and Mahratta in
English

Check out the UPSC Notes

Contribution of Press
Indian media during the British colonial rule (1870 -1918) aimed to invoke nationalism among the
people of the country. It not only discussed the political schemes of the government but also
focused on fighting illiteracy, encouraging mass agitation and open active debates against the
government.

Major contributions of the free press under the colonial rule include:

Addressing masses
The impact of newspapers was not restricted to cities and towns. They also reached remote
villages where local libraries acted as hubs for open discussion and debates over editorial pages.
The press, with its enormous reach, brought everyone together.

Spreading awareness
The publications took the initiative to point out unfair government legislation and policies. They
functioned as government-opposing institutions. The colonial exploitation was brought to the
public’s attention by the press. In its early days, the Indian National Congress relied primarily on
the press to broadcast its decisions and proceedings.

Growth of Vernacular Press: In the early 19th century, there was a

significant expansion of the vernacular press, with newspapers published in
Indian languages such as Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and others. This
allowed for a wider readership among the Indian population.

Role in Social and Religious Reform: The Indian press played a crucial
role in the social and religious reform movements of the 19th century.
Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra
Vidyasagar used newspapers to advocate for social changes, including the
abolition of practices like sati and child marriage.

Political Awakening: As the 19th century progressed, newspapers

became platforms for political discussion and the dissemination of
nationalist ideas. Prominent Indian leaders and intellectuals used
newspapers to promote political awareness and discuss issues related
to governance and colonial rule.

Prominent Newspapers: Several influential newspapers emerged during

this period, including “The Hindu” in Madras, “Amrita Bazar Patrika” in
Bengal, and “Kesari” in Maharashtra. These newspapers played a
significant role in shaping public opinion.

Challenges and Restrictions: The British colonial authorities were often

wary of the growing influence of the press and imposed various restrictions
and censorship. Acts like the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 aimed to control
the vernacular press by giving the government the power to censor
publications.
Contribution to the Freedom Movement: Despite challenges, the Indian
press played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle. Newspapers
served as platforms for leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Dadabhai
Naoroji to advocate for self-rule and independence.

Post-Independence Era: After India gained independence in 1947, the

Indian press continued to evolve and expand. It played a vital role in the
democratic process, ensuring freedom of expression and providing a
platform for diverse voices.

James Hickey’s Bold Journalism: Seeds of

Development of Press in India Evolution (1780-1872)
James Augustus Hickey founded “The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta
General Advertiser” in the year 1780. This publication marked a
significant milestone in the history of the Indian press, as it was one of the
earliest newspapers to be published in India during British colonial rule.
However, Hickey’s pioneering efforts in the realm of journalism faced
considerable challenges.

Despite its initial success, “The Bengal Gazette” became known for its
outspoken criticism of the British colonial government. Hickey used his
newspaper as a platform to voice his concerns and critiques, which often
targeted the administration’s actions and policies. His bold and candid
approach to journalism drew attention and readership, making “The Bengal
Gazette” a notable publication of its time.

However, the newspaper’s relentless criticism and exposés of the

government’s wrongdoings did not sit well with the colonial authorities. In
1872, “The Bengal Gazette” was seized by the authorities due to its
audacious stance and fearless reporting. This marked a turning point in the
history of Indian journalism, highlighting the challenges and risks faced by
early Indian journalists who dared to question colonial rule.

Hickey’s pioneering efforts and the subsequent growth of newspapers and

journals, including publications like “The Bengal Journal,” “Calcutta
Chronicle,” “Madras Courier,” and “Bombay Herald,” laid the foundation for
the Indian press. These publications provided platforms for discussions on
various issues, from governance and politics to social and cultural matters.

As these newspapers gained popularity, the British East India Company

grew increasingly concerned that their content would reach London and
expose the colonial administration’s actions and policies. This fear of
 negative publicity and scrutiny led to the introduction of press restraints and
censorship measures.

Despite the challenges and restrictions imposed by the colonial authorities,

the Indian press continued to evolve and play a crucial role in shaping
public opinion, advocating for social and political change, and ultimately
contributing to India’s struggle for independence. The legacy of early Indian
journalists like James Augustus Hickey paved the way for a vibrant and
dynamic media landscape in post-independence India.

Governmental restrictions on press

The British government imposed a series of restrictions suppressing every print media that spoke
against the administration. The press was forbidden to call out any evil action taken by the British
government and were forced to praise the Crown and its allies in its newspapers.

Censorship of Press Act 1799

 Lord Wellesley issued the Censorship of Press Act of 1799 to stop the French from spreading
rumours that might harm the image of the British administration among Indians
 The inclusion of the names of the printer, editor and publisher was made mandatory for every
newspaper
 A censorship secretary had to be consulted before every publication was made public
 In 1807, the powers of the act were expanded to include magazines, books, and pamphlets

Licensing Act in 1823

This law made it illegal to publish without a licence. The prohibition was primarily aimed at Indian
language or Indian edited newspapers.

Licensing Act in 1857

The government was given the power to halt the printing and circulation of any book, newspaper,
or printed item.

Vernacular Press Act 1878

 The local language press, or the vernacular or regional press, was a key instrument against
British rule. As a result, in 1878, the government clamped down on the vernacular press. Lord
Lytton was responsible for the Vernacular Press Act
 It was dubbed the ‘Gagging Act’ by the press
 Using this act, magistrates can order any newspaper publisher to guarantee that they would not
print anything that threatens the country’s peace, and security. The magistrate’s decision would
be final
 The English press was exempt from the law
 The act gave the government the authority to issue search warrants and access newspaper
premises without judicial authorisation
 Development of Press in India: Struggle to
Triumph in Colonial Era and the Rise of
Nationalism (1850-1885)
 The Development of Press in India during the British colonial rule
was marked by formidable challenges and an enduring struggle for
survival. These publications faced numerous difficulties, including
relentless colonial pressure, widespread illiteracy, and the oppressive
tactics employed by the ruling authorities. However, as time
progressed, the Indian press transformed into a formidable tool in the
quest to win over the British.
 Between 1850 and 1885, the primary focus was on political
propaganda, fostering political awareness, and disseminating the
ideology of nationalism. The press played a pivotal role in swiftly
executing these tasks, which encompassed training, awakening,
consolidating, and mobilizing nationalist public opinion. It is
noteworthy that the first step towards the freedom movement was the
publication of newspapers rather than resorting to armed struggle.

Conclusion
Media, under British rule, actively participated in inspiring people to rise against the government.
The freedom the Indian press has today is because of the challenges and obstacles that the
media in the pre-independence era has overcome. Whether print or multimedia, media will
always have the moral duty to publish authentic news without bias.