11

History and Development History and Development of language newspapersof language newspapers

22

From its beginnings in the early From its beginnings in the early years of the 19 century, the Indian years of the 19 century, the Indian press had been the vicious target of press had been the vicious target of the British rulers who employed the British rulers who employed every means to crush itevery means to crush it

Willing to tolerate the Indian owned Willing to tolerate the Indian owned and edited English press up to a and edited English press up to a point, but they believed the language point, but they believed the language press to be dangerous for the press to be dangerous for the perpetuation of their ruleperpetuation of their rule

33

Their argument was that the educated Their argument was that the educated Indians who read the English newspapers Indians who read the English newspapers were less likely to be misled were less likely to be misled

And would better appreciate the benefits of And would better appreciate the benefits of the British rule than the masses who read the British rule than the masses who read and were influenced by the language pressand were influenced by the language press

Their repressive legislation was directed Their repressive legislation was directed more towards the language press and the more towards the language press and the most famous example is the Vernacular most famous example is the Vernacular Press Act of 1878Press Act of 1878

After Independence the government has not After Independence the government has not

done anything significant to help the regional done anything significant to help the regional

Press develop against stiff competition from the Press develop against stiff competition from the

English PressEnglish Press

The First Press Commission stated that the cost The First Press Commission stated that the cost

& lack of distribution facilities hindered their & lack of distribution facilities hindered their

developmentdevelopment

In the initial phaseIn the initial phase

Rural newspapers were crude, badly designed, Rural newspapers were crude, badly designed,

poorly laid outpoorly laid out

Owners lacked marketing skill to ensure wider Owners lacked marketing skill to ensure wider

circulation to remote areas circulation to remote areas

Most newspapers lacked skilled writers who had Most newspapers lacked skilled writers who had

a nose for rural affairsa nose for rural affairs

Late 90’s saw a spurt of regional editions of city Late 90’s saw a spurt of regional editions of city

papers exclusively to cater to rural readerspapers exclusively to cater to rural readers

What the newspapers needed was : What the newspapers needed was :

Good printing technologyGood printing technology

Extensive local coverageExtensive local coverage

Interesting stories, relatable to farmersInteresting stories, relatable to farmers

Local language will colloquial lingo plus Local language will colloquial lingo plus

dialectdialect

Good distribution channelGood distribution channel

1976 onwards1976 onwards

Language papers grew 4 times in circulationLanguage papers grew 4 times in circulation

Were more attractively displayed, well laid out Were more attractively displayed, well laid out

& written in easily understood language& written in easily understood language

Conveyed all kinds of information to the widest Conveyed all kinds of information to the widest

section of readerssection of readers

Gave readers a better perspective about the Gave readers a better perspective about the

society they lived insociety they lived in

Also made readers aware of their rights & Also made readers aware of their rights &

privilegesprivileges

Emergence of newspapers and their slow & steady Emergence of newspapers and their slow & steady

circulation led to local language flourishingcirculation led to local language flourishing

By 1997, 60% of urban people & 25% of rural By 1997, 60% of urban people & 25% of rural

population was reading newspapers on a regular population was reading newspapers on a regular

basisbasis

1980 onwards- Shift to rural areas1980 onwards- Shift to rural areas

A concerted effort was taken by regional A concerted effort was taken by regional

newspapers to penetrate the rural areasnewspapers to penetrate the rural areas

Firstly, aim was higher circulationFirstly, aim was higher circulation

Secondly, it was a missionary endeavor to raise Secondly, it was a missionary endeavor to raise

the standards of peasants & famersthe standards of peasants & famers

Lastly, to commit to journalism by reporting the Lastly, to commit to journalism by reporting the

progress achieved in interiors of country progress achieved in interiors of country

Founder of Founder of Sakal, Sakal, Dr N.B Parulekar – one of the Dr N.B Parulekar – one of the

pioneers in trying to reach out to the rural pioneers in trying to reach out to the rural

areasareas

He did this after laying down a sound He did this after laying down a sound

circulation base for circulation base for SakalSakal in Pune in Pune

Newspapers in small villages were not a viable Newspapers in small villages were not a viable

option and transportation was a problem, option and transportation was a problem,

hence most newspaper organisations avoided hence most newspaper organisations avoided

themthem

Regional journalism & Regional journalism & PoliticsPolitics

Local politicians realized the potential of Local politicians realized the potential of

localized newspapers localized newspapers

No. of people with political ambitions launched a No. of people with political ambitions launched a

NP in their electoral constituency to :NP in their electoral constituency to :

Provide a link between their area of operation & Provide a link between their area of operation &

the partythe party

Make profits through advertisementsMake profits through advertisements

Influence the voters Influence the voters

Soon, the local newspapers became an Soon, the local newspapers became an

additional campaigning method to woo the additional campaigning method to woo the

voters, apart from the traditional methodsvoters, apart from the traditional methods

Their goal was not national integration (as many Their goal was not national integration (as many

claimed!)claimed!)

Few espoused a noble welfare causeFew espoused a noble welfare cause

Many even wanted to demolish a rival & Many even wanted to demolish a rival &

published articles to suit their agendapublished articles to suit their agenda

STATE-WISE ANALYSIS STATE-WISE ANALYSIS 

During 2005-06, the largest numbers During 2005-06, the largest numbers of newspapers were published from of newspapers were published from Uttar Pradesh (1913), followed Uttar Pradesh (1913), followed by Delhi (1133), Gujarati (817), by Delhi (1133), Gujarati (817), Rajasthan (742), Maharashtra (642) Rajasthan (742), Maharashtra (642) and West Bengal (505). and West Bengal (505).

  

1313

Uttar Pradesh topped in total Uttar Pradesh topped in total circulation, with 3,32,91,882 in 2005-circulation, with 3,32,91,882 in 2005-06, followed by Delhi  with 06, followed by Delhi  with 3,06,03,048 3,06,03,048 copies.  Maharashtra retained its copies.  Maharashtra retained its third position with third position with 2,04,72,8281,59,59,124 copies. 2,04,72,8281,59,59,124 copies.

  Uttar Pradesh had the largest Uttar Pradesh had the largest number of daily newspapers (384), number of daily newspapers (384), followed by Maharashtra (206). followed by Maharashtra (206).

  A notable feature was that Orissa A notable feature was that Orissa achieved the distinction of publishing achieved the distinction of publishing newspapers in 17 major languages.newspapers in 17 major languages. 1414

  Delhi and Maharashtra came next Delhi and Maharashtra came next with 11, Kerala 9 and Gujarat with with 11, Kerala 9 and Gujarat with 6.   Uttar Pradesh published the 6.   Uttar Pradesh published the maximum number of newspapers in a maximum number of newspapers in a single language i.e., 1608 in Hindi.    single language i.e., 1608 in Hindi.    

It was also noticed that regional It was also noticed that regional language newspapers were leading language newspapers were leading both in number and circulation in all both in number and circulation in all major States. major States.

1515

1616

VERNACULAR PRESS ACT, VERNACULAR PRESS ACT, 18781878

Most controversial law against the PressMost controversial law against the Press

Lord Lytton- provoked by the writings of the Lord Lytton- provoked by the writings of the

Bengali PressBengali Press

Assumed office when a serious discussion was Assumed office when a serious discussion was

going on about the need for action against the going on about the need for action against the

native Pressnative Press

1717

Law initially called “Law initially called “An Act for better control of An Act for better control of

publication in oriental languages- 1878”publication in oriental languages- 1878”

The Act empowered any magistrate or a The Act empowered any magistrate or a

commissioner of police to call upon a printer of a commissioner of police to call upon a printer of a

newspaper to furnish a bond / undertaking not to newspaper to furnish a bond / undertaking not to

publish certain kind of material, to demand security publish certain kind of material, to demand security

and to forfeit it if it was thought fit, and to and to forfeit it if it was thought fit, and to

confiscate any printed matter deemed confiscate any printed matter deemed

objectionable. objectionable.

1818

No printer or publisher No printer or publisher

against whom such an against whom such an

action had been taken could action had been taken could

resort to a court of lawresort to a court of law

1919

Government could issue search warrants & Government could issue search warrants &

enter premises of any Press & take action enter premises of any Press & take action

without going to courtwithout going to court

The law required all native proprietors to The law required all native proprietors to

furnish a bond of Rs 10,000 while registering furnish a bond of Rs 10,000 while registering

newspapers, which was subject to forfeiture newspapers, which was subject to forfeiture

if an offence was committedif an offence was committed

The law was repealed in 1881 by Lord RiponThe law was repealed in 1881 by Lord Ripon

2020

The Initial Phases of…The Initial Phases of… Hindi JournalismHindi Journalism

Concerned solely with social & religious mattersConcerned solely with social & religious matters

Not much involvement in political affairsNot much involvement in political affairs

Singular attention to ridding society of social evils like Singular attention to ridding society of social evils like

untouchability, lack of education especially girl untouchability, lack of education especially girl

education, sati, dowry, child marriage, widow education, sati, dowry, child marriage, widow

remarriage etcremarriage etc

2121

Hindi press transformed to political Hindi press transformed to political

and nationalistic Press with a and nationalistic Press with a

demand for self governance whendemand for self governance when

Racial discrimination became Racial discrimination became

rampantrampant

Grievances of people against the Grievances of people against the

rulers multipliedrulers multiplied

2222

The beginningsThe beginnings 18261826, 1, 1stst Hindi NP- weekly started in Calcutta, Hindi NP- weekly started in Calcutta,

Oodunt MartandOodunt Martand

Editor- Jooghul Kishore (Jugal Kishor)Editor- Jooghul Kishore (Jugal Kishor)

Pioneer of Hindi journalism in IndiaPioneer of Hindi journalism in India

Faced many difficulties in running itFaced many difficulties in running it

Needed postal facilities to dispatch it outside Needed postal facilities to dispatch it outside

Bengal, but denied by the GovernmentBengal, but denied by the Government

Also refused postal concessionsAlso refused postal concessions

2323

Unable to face high postal ratesUnable to face high postal rates

Closed down the paper within an Closed down the paper within an

year after 79 issuesyear after 79 issues

2424

Urdu journalismUrdu journalism Urdu, listed among the 15 national Urdu, listed among the 15 national

languages in the VIII Schedule of the languages in the VIII Schedule of the ConstitutionConstitution

Spoken by six per cent of the populationSpoken by six per cent of the population

It is the official language in Jammu and It is the official language in Jammu and Kashmir and the second official language Kashmir and the second official language in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar PradeshPradesh

2525

The first Urdu newspaper was Jam -i – The first Urdu newspaper was Jam -i – Jahan – Numa, published from Calcutta in Jahan – Numa, published from Calcutta in April 1822April 1822

Editor was Sadasukh LalEditor was Sadasukh Lal

The Urdu press by and large gave a picture The Urdu press by and large gave a picture of the issues that were “warmly contested of the issues that were “warmly contested in Hindu society, of the grievances of the in Hindu society, of the grievances of the people, of the disadvantage of having a people, of the disadvantage of having a foreign language as the language of the foreign language as the language of the courts of the atrocities of the indigo courts of the atrocities of the indigo planters and the blunders of young planters and the blunders of young magistrates” magistrates”

2626

The government was very harsh on Urdu The government was very harsh on Urdu newspapers, since many of them had newspapers, since many of them had supported the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857supported the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857

The severity of the repression in the The severity of the repression in the wake of the Mutiny was such that the wake of the Mutiny was such that the Urdu press had virtually disappeared in Urdu press had virtually disappeared in the processthe process

Soon after the Mutiny was crushed, 12 Soon after the Mutiny was crushed, 12 journals came out, and all of them were journals came out, and all of them were run by non – Muslims, particularly run by non – Muslims, particularly HindusHindus

2727

Four years after the Mutiny, in 1861, Sir Four years after the Mutiny, in 1861, Sir Syed Ahmed launched some literary Syed Ahmed launched some literary and scientific periodicals and scientific periodicals

No one dared to go in for political No one dared to go in for political journalism, particularly in the areas journalism, particularly in the areas where the Mutiny had been acute and where the Mutiny had been acute and had left behind a sense of horror and had left behind a sense of horror and fearfear

Delhi, Agra Meerut, Lucknow and AligarhDelhi, Agra Meerut, Lucknow and Aligarh

2828

Marathi JournalismMarathi Journalism Marathi journalism grew out of a tradition Marathi journalism grew out of a tradition

of writing with great literary flourish, of writing with great literary flourish, commonly practiced by educated gentry in commonly practiced by educated gentry in the eighteenth centurythe eighteenth century

Commonplace events like births and Commonplace events like births and weddings lent itself to such treatmentweddings lent itself to such treatment

Illustrative of this trend is an exhaustive Illustrative of this trend is an exhaustive account of the Battle of Panipat (1761) account of the Battle of Panipat (1761) where the Maratha forces faced a great where the Maratha forces faced a great debacledebacle

2929

The murder of Narayanrao Peshwa in The murder of Narayanrao Peshwa in 1773 formed the subject of a ‘Bakhar’ 1773 formed the subject of a ‘Bakhar’ sent to the Patwardhans of Miraj by sent to the Patwardhans of Miraj by their representative in Punetheir representative in Pune

They resemble in an amazing manner They resemble in an amazing manner the special reports sent by special the special reports sent by special correspondents to modern – day correspondents to modern – day newspapers newspapers

3030

Bal Shastri Jambhekar (1812 – 1846) Bal Shastri Jambhekar (1812 – 1846) founded the Darpan in 1832founded the Darpan in 1832

Pioneer of Marathi journalismPioneer of Marathi journalism

He holds the distinction of being the He holds the distinction of being the first Indian professor at the first Indian professor at the Elphistone College in BombayElphistone College in Bombay

3131

Darpan was a fortnightly, a Marathi – Darpan was a fortnightly, a Marathi – English bilingual, started on January 6English bilingual, started on January 6

By May it had become a weekly with eight By May it had become a weekly with eight pages per issuepages per issue

The first issue outlined the objective of the The first issue outlined the objective of the paper: to inspire more Indians to take to paper: to inspire more Indians to take to western education and to provide a forum western education and to provide a forum to people to express their views on to people to express their views on projects for the well – being of the people projects for the well – being of the people and the prosperity of the nationand the prosperity of the nation

3232

The paper discussed several issues of The paper discussed several issues of public concern, including religious public concern, including religious controversiescontroversies

The Darpan ceased publication in The Darpan ceased publication in 18401840

During its short tenure, it maintained During its short tenure, it maintained very high standards of journalism in very high standards of journalism in every senseevery sense

3333

The Bengali pressThe Bengali press

Since the headquarters of the East Since the headquarters of the East India Company was in Kolkatta and India Company was in Kolkatta and all the big commercial houses were all the big commercial houses were in that city, it was but natural that in that city, it was but natural that Kolkatta should have more Kolkatta should have more newspapers than any other citynewspapers than any other city

3434

Christian missionary activities and Christian missionary activities and particularly the launch of their particularly the launch of their publications in Bengali prompted the publications in Bengali prompted the publication of a number of Bengali publication of a number of Bengali papers to defend the Hindu religion papers to defend the Hindu religion and customsand customs

The social reform movements of Raja The social reform movements of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra VidyaSagar deemed it necessary to VidyaSagar deemed it necessary to have their own journals to propagate have their own journals to propagate their causetheir cause

3535

The Governor General, Lord Bentinck’s The Governor General, Lord Bentinck’s abolition of Sati stirred the conservative abolition of Sati stirred the conservative and orthodox elements in Hindu society, and orthodox elements in Hindu society, who launched publications to espouse their who launched publications to espouse their causecause

The first two Bengali newspapers were The first two Bengali newspapers were launched in 1818 – Dig Darshan and launched in 1818 – Dig Darshan and Samachar DarpanSamachar Darpan

Both were missionary journals, but they Both were missionary journals, but they made readers aware of the possibilities of made readers aware of the possibilities of running newspapers in Bengalirunning newspapers in Bengali

3636

The Press was still in its crudest formThe Press was still in its crudest form

Shoddy printing and poor layoutShoddy printing and poor layout

Samachar Darpan Samachar Darpan was started by was started by

missionaries (Carey and Marshman) at missionaries (Carey and Marshman) at

SeramporeSerampore

Began as a monthly, but owing to popularity, Began as a monthly, but owing to popularity,

became a weeklybecame a weekly

3737

It carried both Indian as well as foreign news and It carried both Indian as well as foreign news and

district news, apart from missionary matter, district news, apart from missionary matter,

Became a bilingual in 1829- Bengali and EnglishBecame a bilingual in 1829- Bengali and English

Ran both in parallel columnsRan both in parallel columns

Survived a few crises, but finally closed down in Survived a few crises, but finally closed down in

18521852

3838

The Samachar Darpan proved to be The Samachar Darpan proved to be the forerunner of the modern – day the forerunner of the modern – day Bengali newspaper, when to cover Bengali newspaper, when to cover social and non- political news it social and non- political news it appointed 60 correspondents in all appointed 60 correspondents in all major towns of Bengalmajor towns of Bengal

The Governor General Hastings gave The Governor General Hastings gave the Samachar Darpan postal the Samachar Darpan postal concessions, which was a fourth of concessions, which was a fourth of the normal chargesthe normal charges

3939

His successor Lord Amherst, His successor Lord Amherst, subscribed to a hundred copies which subscribed to a hundred copies which he distributed to government officialshe distributed to government officials

The journal with its network of The journal with its network of correspondents, proved to be useful to correspondents, proved to be useful to the officials since it provided them the officials since it provided them information they did not get from other information they did not get from other sourcessources

Its correspondents pumped in a lot of Its correspondents pumped in a lot of news knowing that it would reach the news knowing that it would reach the highest officials in the governmenthighest officials in the government

4040

The first Bengali newspaper to The first Bengali newspaper to counteract the missionary - run counteract the missionary - run newspapers was Vangal Gazette, newspapers was Vangal Gazette, started by teacher – reformist Ganga started by teacher – reformist Ganga Kishor BhattacharyaKishor Bhattacharya

The Vangal Gazette is acknowledged The Vangal Gazette is acknowledged to be the first Bengali newspaperto be the first Bengali newspaper

Campaigned for social reforms and Campaigned for social reforms and was the first to publish Roy’s tract on was the first to publish Roy’s tract on the necessity of abolishing Satithe necessity of abolishing Sati

4141

Though Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s role as Though Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s role as a journalist has been rarely recorded a journalist has been rarely recorded he used the press as a means to he used the press as a means to serve societyserve society

He started Sambad Kaumudi (1821) He started Sambad Kaumudi (1821) (weekly), Meerut – ul- Akhbar (Persian (weekly), Meerut – ul- Akhbar (Persian weekly) and the Brahminical weekly) and the Brahminical magazine (English weekly)magazine (English weekly)

Found a kindred soul in Englishman Found a kindred soul in Englishman James Silk BuckingamJames Silk Buckingam

4242

1818-1855, many Bengali newspapers came 1818-1855, many Bengali newspapers came

up- almost a 100, but most were short livedup- almost a 100, but most were short lived

Early papers include Early papers include Shome Prakash, Shome Prakash,

Grambartha Prakashika, Masik Patra, Vividharta Grambartha Prakashika, Masik Patra, Vividharta

SangrahSangrah

4343

1831, Ishwar Chandra Gupta started the daily- 1831, Ishwar Chandra Gupta started the daily-

Sambad Prabhakar, but Sambad Prabhakar, but found it tough to run a found it tough to run a

dailydaily

Followed by Followed by Tathwa Bodhini Tathwa Bodhini – Akshay – Akshay

Kumar Dutta, 1843Kumar Dutta, 1843

4444

Others- Others- Masik Patra, Som Prakash, Vividharta SangrahMasik Patra, Som Prakash, Vividharta Sangrah

Between 1853-54 there were nineteen regular Between 1853-54 there were nineteen regular

newspaersin Bengalinewspaersin Bengali

Had a circulation of roughly 8,100 copiesHad a circulation of roughly 8,100 copies

Most lobbied for a bill, which was later introduced - Widow Most lobbied for a bill, which was later introduced - Widow

Remarriage Bill, 1856Remarriage Bill, 1856

4545

The government proposal to partition The government proposal to partition Bengal in 1905 and the Swadeshi Bengal in 1905 and the Swadeshi movement were some of the major movement were some of the major events opposed and espoused by the events opposed and espoused by the Bengali pressBengali press

Journals like Jugantar and Bande Journals like Jugantar and Bande Mataram gave a fillip to the agitationMataram gave a fillip to the agitation

The Bengalee led the campaign The Bengalee led the campaign against partition with regular articles against partition with regular articles by Surendranath Bannerjeeby Surendranath Bannerjee

4646

In June 1908, the government passed In June 1908, the government passed the Newspaper (Incitement of the Newspaper (Incitement of Offences) Act which empowered the Offences) Act which empowered the authorities to take judicial action authorities to take judicial action against editors of any newspaper against editors of any newspaper which published matters, which in view which published matters, which in view of the government, amounted to of the government, amounted to “incitement of violence”“incitement of violence”

Aurobindo Ghose, editor of Bande Aurobindo Ghose, editor of Bande Mataram, Brahma Bandhabh Upadhyay Mataram, Brahma Bandhabh Upadhyay editor of Sandhya and Bhupendra Nath editor of Sandhya and Bhupendra Nath Dutta editor of Jugantaar were Dutta editor of Jugantaar were persecuted persecuted

4747

Bengali Press also suffered after the 1857 MutinyBengali Press also suffered after the 1857 Mutiny

Action was taken under the new Press Act against Action was taken under the new Press Act against

Bengali weekly Bengali weekly DurbeenDurbeen

In 1876 half the number of total language In 1876 half the number of total language

newspapers in India were published from Calcuttanewspapers in India were published from Calcutta

The total number of newspapers was 38 and 19 The total number of newspapers was 38 and 19

were from Calcuttawere from Calcutta

4848

Bengali newspapers were the sentinels of Bengali newspapers were the sentinels of

Indian nationalismIndian nationalism

Record of facing the worst repression and Record of facing the worst repression and

persecution at the hands of Englishpersecution at the hands of English

Terror to the British administrationTerror to the British administration

Most drastic press laws particularly aimed Most drastic press laws particularly aimed

at themat them

4949

Raja Ram Mohan RoyRaja Ram Mohan Roy

It was because of leaders like Roy that the It was because of leaders like Roy that the educated classes got interested, involved and educated classes got interested, involved and inspired to do their bit for the countryinspired to do their bit for the country

Soon Bengal attained the stature of all India Soon Bengal attained the stature of all India leader in matters of social and political reform leader in matters of social and political reform

It was Roy who brought a sense of pride in It was Roy who brought a sense of pride in Indian languages which had been lost in the Indian languages which had been lost in the craze to learn the rulers tonguecraze to learn the rulers tongue

5050

Wanted ‘cultural renaissance in Wanted ‘cultural renaissance in

Hindu society’Hindu society’

Knew Hindi, Bengali, English, Knew Hindi, Bengali, English,

Persian, Sanskrit & ArabicPersian, Sanskrit & Arabic

5151

Roy did not object to colonisation. He Roy did not object to colonisation. He wanted a liberal administration that wanted a liberal administration that would leave nothing for Indians to would leave nothing for Indians to complain aboutcomplain about

His views on widow remarriage, Sati, His views on widow remarriage, Sati, child marriages were opposed by the child marriages were opposed by the Hindu press and they ganged up with Hindu press and they ganged up with conservative elements in the conservative elements in the administration to fight Royadministration to fight Roy

5252

Roy realised early that freedom of Roy realised early that freedom of publication was essential for smooth publication was essential for smooth functioning of societyfunctioning of society

To rein in Roy, the British allied To rein in Roy, the British allied themselves with the most themselves with the most reactionary elements in Hindu reactionary elements in Hindu society, as well as Christian and society, as well as Christian and Muslim communitiesMuslim communities

5353

Company officials often carried on Company officials often carried on

an active tirade against his close an active tirade against his close

associatesassociates

Was considered “unrepresentative Was considered “unrepresentative

of the Hindu opinion”of the Hindu opinion”

5454

Once he realized the massive opposition, kept himself Once he realized the massive opposition, kept himself

in the background & encouraged others to work in in the background & encouraged others to work in

under his directionunder his direction

Soon, made Bengal, seat of all social & political reformsSoon, made Bengal, seat of all social & political reforms

Strongly protested the deportation of J S BuckinghamStrongly protested the deportation of J S Buckingham

Buckingham gave prominence to native language Buckingham gave prominence to native language

journals like Bengali and Persianjournals like Bengali and Persian

5555

Favored the English on many accountsFavored the English on many accounts

Believed in the “judicious colonization” of Believed in the “judicious colonization” of

India by Europeans with education & India by Europeans with education &

capital in order to expand India’s contacts capital in order to expand India’s contacts

with the West, especially England’s with the West, especially England’s

technical knowledgetechnical knowledge

5656

Initially, did not want to end British rule Initially, did not want to end British rule

but wanted to increase the advantages for but wanted to increase the advantages for

Indians under itIndians under it

However, believed Indian opinion should However, believed Indian opinion should

be given attentionbe given attention

Wanted to provide Indians, opportunities Wanted to provide Indians, opportunities

for higher educationfor higher education

5757

Wanted to put an end to racial discrimination Wanted to put an end to racial discrimination

in court procedures, legislations, admission of in court procedures, legislations, admission of

Indians to higher jobs in the administration & Indians to higher jobs in the administration &

most importantly freedom of the Press from most importantly freedom of the Press from

arbitrary Government restrictionsarbitrary Government restrictions

5858

Was conscious of extreme backwardness of Was conscious of extreme backwardness of

IndiaIndia

Believed no alternative system of rule could Believed no alternative system of rule could

be as advanced & effective as the British’sbe as advanced & effective as the British’s

5959

Clashed with his editor, Bhowani Charan Banerjee Clashed with his editor, Bhowani Charan Banerjee

on the issue of Sati, found him too conservative on the issue of Sati, found him too conservative

Banerjee left Saumad Kaumadi and later founded Banerjee left Saumad Kaumadi and later founded

Sambad Chandrika purely to oppose Roy’s viewsSambad Chandrika purely to oppose Roy’s views

6060

Success of rival NP (Samachar Chandrika) Success of rival NP (Samachar Chandrika)

forced Roy to close down SKforced Roy to close down SK

Restarted the NP again later & ran it till Lord Restarted the NP again later & ran it till Lord

Bentick abolished SatiBentick abolished Sati

Started Persian weekly Mirat Ul Akhbar in 1822Started Persian weekly Mirat Ul Akhbar in 1822

For the benefit of Indians- not conversant in For the benefit of Indians- not conversant in

English or BengaliEnglish or Bengali

6161

Associated with 3 journals- Associated with 3 journals- The Reformer, The The Reformer, The

Inquirer, Gyan AuneshunInquirer, Gyan Auneshun

All represented school of progressive Hindu All represented school of progressive Hindu

journalism held in the Bengali society till journalism held in the Bengali society till

18311831

6262

Other notable personalitiesOther notable personalities Dwarkanath TagoreDwarkanath Tagore

Started Started Bengal HeraldBengal Herald an English weekly and an English weekly and

BangadootBangadoot in Bengali in Bengali

Also gave financial assistance to a number of Also gave financial assistance to a number of

newspapersnewspapers

6363

1853, Girish Chandra Ghosh started the 1853, Girish Chandra Ghosh started the

weekly weekly Hindu PatriotHindu Patriot

Harishchandra Mukherjee took over after 2 Harishchandra Mukherjee took over after 2

yearsyears

After his death, took over by social After his death, took over by social

reformer Iswar Chandra Vidyasagarreformer Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar

6464

1861, Manmohan Ghosh started 1861, Manmohan Ghosh started Indian MirrorIndian Mirror

Keshub Chandra Sen converted in into a daily in Keshub Chandra Sen converted in into a daily in

18711871

1870, Keshub Chandra Sen (of the Indian 1870, Keshub Chandra Sen (of the Indian

Reform Association) started Reform Association) started Sulava SamacharSulava Samachar

Weekly, sold at one paisa per copyWeekly, sold at one paisa per copy

6565

Most popular weekly of that periodMost popular weekly of that period

Had a circulation of 4000 copies, considered Had a circulation of 4000 copies, considered

phenomenal for those timesphenomenal for those times

Another popular newspaper, Another popular newspaper, Halishahar PatrikaHalishahar Patrika

Editor Babu Mohan GanguliEditor Babu Mohan Ganguli

Bengal HurkaruBengal Hurkaru, champion of abolition of capital , champion of abolition of capital

punishment, had its license revokedpunishment, had its license revoked

6666

First newspaper to espouse the cause of the First newspaper to espouse the cause of the

working class working class Bharat ShramajiliBharat Shramajili, a weekly, a weekly

Literary newspaper- Literary newspaper- BangadarshanBangadarshan

Very popular, specially with the educated Very popular, specially with the educated

BengalisBengalis

1880, the first Bengali daily to adopt modern 1880, the first Bengali daily to adopt modern

methods of production – methods of production – BasumatiBasumati

6767

Editor- Krishna Kamal BhattacharyaEditor- Krishna Kamal Bhattacharya

As a result of the VPA, Amrita Bazaar As a result of the VPA, Amrita Bazaar

Patrika converted itself from a Bengali Patrika converted itself from a Bengali

weekly to an English weekly to escape the weekly to an English weekly to escape the

ActAct

B.C Pal and Aurobindo Ghosh started B.C Pal and Aurobindo Ghosh started

Bande MataramBande Mataram

6868

YuganterYuganter 4 main papers, all revolutionary- 4 main papers, all revolutionary- Sandhya, Sandhya,

Nagshakti, Bande Mataram & YugantarNagshakti, Bande Mataram & Yugantar

SandhyaSandhya- Editor Brahma Upadhyaya- Editor Brahma Upadhyaya

Bande MataramBande Mataram- Aurobindo Ghosh- Aurobindo Ghosh

6969

Many Editors were persecuted for Many Editors were persecuted for their editorialstheir editorials

Aurobindo Ghosh - subjected to Aurobindo Ghosh - subjected to solitary confinementsolitary confinement

Bande Mataram- Bande Mataram- closed down in his closed down in his absence, on trialabsence, on trial

7070

Yuganter, founded in 1906, achieved great Yuganter, founded in 1906, achieved great

popularitypopularity

Editor- Aurobindo Ghosh’s brother B GhoshEditor- Aurobindo Ghosh’s brother B Ghosh

Its mission, to preach revolution as a religion Its mission, to preach revolution as a religion

than a political movementthan a political movement

Main principles- righteousness & knowledgeMain principles- righteousness & knowledge

7171

Laid down methods of freedom from British Laid down methods of freedom from British

rulersrulers

Editor was imprisoned and during trial Editor was imprisoned and during trial

exhibited what the judge remarked as, “a exhibited what the judge remarked as, “a

burning hatred for the British race”burning hatred for the British race”

Laid down methods for independence:Laid down methods for independence:

7272

First, the educated classes must learn to First, the educated classes must learn to

hate slaveryhate slavery

Aspiration for freedom must be converted Aspiration for freedom must be converted

into a firm resolveinto a firm resolve

A great sacrifice for liberty must be A great sacrifice for liberty must be

preparedprepared

7373

Public opinion must be built by newspapers Public opinion must be built by newspapers

which must be filled with discussion of the which must be filled with discussion of the

necessity of independence and revolutionnecessity of independence and revolution

Secretly bands of young men must be Secretly bands of young men must be

organizedorganized

Bombs should be manufactured in secret Bombs should be manufactured in secret

placesplaces

7474

Guns imported from foreign countriesGuns imported from foreign countries

The law of English is established on brute The law of English is established on brute

force and to liberate ourselves, we too must force and to liberate ourselves, we too must

use brute forceuse brute force

The paper had unprecedented saleThe paper had unprecedented sale

The spirit it sought to arouse in people, The spirit it sought to arouse in people,

succeededsucceeded

7575

Most well known editor was Vivekananda Most well known editor was Vivekananda

MukherjeeMukherjee

Indian Newspaper Bill in 1908 suppressed Indian Newspaper Bill in 1908 suppressed

Yugantar which left an indelible mark in Yugantar which left an indelible mark in

Indian Press historyIndian Press history

7676

Bengali Press that time - agitating for Lord Bengali Press that time - agitating for Lord

Curzon’s recallCurzon’s recall

Questioned credibility of Bengali press & Questioned credibility of Bengali press &

stated that only a small minority are stated that only a small minority are

educated to readeducated to read

7777

1922, 1922, Ananda Bazar PatrikaAnanda Bazar Patrika

Sponsored by Mrinal Kanti Ghosh, Prafulla Sponsored by Mrinal Kanti Ghosh, Prafulla

Kumar Sarkar & Suresh Chandra MajumdarKumar Sarkar & Suresh Chandra Majumdar

Played a glorious part in freedom strugglePlayed a glorious part in freedom struggle

7878

Today- largest circulating Bengali Today- largest circulating Bengali

daily in the countrydaily in the country

Most well known editor Chapala Most well known editor Chapala

Kanta BhattacharyaKanta Bhattacharya

7979

After Gandhi’s arrival, the After Gandhi’s arrival, the BengaleeBengalee & & NayakNayak, ,

both NPs of the Moderates lost ground rapidlyboth NPs of the Moderates lost ground rapidly

Bengali Press suffered after partition in 1947- Bengali Press suffered after partition in 1947-

lost a good slice of readers in East Pakistanlost a good slice of readers in East Pakistan

Notable NPs after Independence- Loksevak & Notable NPs after Independence- Loksevak &

Jansevak Jansevak

8080

Statistics say that more than 90% of Statistics say that more than 90% of

educated Bengalis read language NPs educated Bengalis read language NPs

regularlyregularly

Bengali Press is the 3Bengali Press is the 3rdrd highest numerical highest numerical

group (after Hindi & English)group (after Hindi & English)

8181

Earliest to demand self governanceEarliest to demand self governance

Often attacked the Moderates of lack of Often attacked the Moderates of lack of

courage & timidity in demanding what was courage & timidity in demanding what was

the ‘birthright of Indians’the ‘birthright of Indians’

8282

Later yearsLater years

ABP attained high circulationABP attained high circulation

Aajkal came out in 1981Aajkal came out in 1981

Proved immensely popular for its directness Proved immensely popular for its directness

& blunt style of presentation of news& blunt style of presentation of news

8383

1984 saw the birth of Bartaman1984 saw the birth of Bartaman

Became successfulBecame successful

CPI (M)'s Ganasakti CPI (M)'s Ganasakti

8484

Each was well laid out by international standards Each was well laid out by international standards

& each moved increasingly to expand its & each moved increasingly to expand its

readership by catering to the widest possible readership by catering to the widest possible

audience in and around Calcuttaaudience in and around Calcutta

Sports and finance became prominent news Sports and finance became prominent news

topicstopics

Ganasakti was remade in the early 1990s to Ganasakti was remade in the early 1990s to

compete with other newspaperscompete with other newspapers

8585

Its marriage advertisements were open only Its marriage advertisements were open only

to those people who were not seeking dowryto those people who were not seeking dowry

Bartaman - The successful approach included Bartaman - The successful approach included

prominent sustained attacks on the long-prominent sustained attacks on the long-

running CPI(M) governmentrunning CPI(M) government