Development of Press in Modern India is part of Modern History of India. Below are notes on 9 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

Contributions of Key Personalities to Indian Journalism (e.g., Tilak, Gandhi, Raja Rammohan Roy)

  • James Augustus Hicky: Hicky's Bengal Gazette / The Calcutta General Advertiser (English, 1780) - India's first newspaper.
  • Raja Rammohan Roy:
    • Sambad Kaumudi (Bengali weekly, 1821).
    • Mirat-ul-Akhbar (Persian weekly, 1822).
    • Not associated with Samachar Chandrika (an anti-reformist paper).
  • Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Somprakash (Bengali weekly, 1858).
  • Harish Chandra Mukerjee: Hindoo Patriot (Editor, mid-19th century).
  • Sisir Kumar Ghosh & Motilal Ghosh: Amrita Bazar Patrika (Bengali, 1868; converted to English in 1878 to evade Vernacular Press Act). Sisir Kumar Ghosh was a co-founder and first editor.
  • Dadabhai Naoroji: Voice of India (English); 'India' weekly (published by the British Committee of INC in London).
  • Surendranath Banerjea: The Bengalee (Editor).
  • G. Subramania Iyer:
    • The Hindu (English, Co-founder, 1878).
    • Swadesmitran (Tamil daily).
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Lokmanya Tilak):
    • Kesari (Marathi daily, 1881) - Principal medium for his nationalist & seditious articles.
    • Mahratta (English weekly, 1881).
    • Imprisoned in Mandalay Jail, Burma (1908) for sedition, primarily based on articles in Kesari.
  • Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Sudharak (English/ Marathi, Co-founded with G.C. Agarkar, 1888).
  • Gopal Ganesh Agarkar (G.C. Agarkar): Sudharak (Editor/co-founder with Gokhale, after leaving Kesari/Mahratta group).
  • Narayan Meghaji Lokhande (N.M. Lokhande): Dinbandhu (Marathi, focused on labour issues).
  • Debendranath Tagore & N.N. Sen: Indian Mirror (English).
  • Mahatma Gandhi:
    • Indian Opinion (English/Gujarati/ Hindi/Tamil, launched from South Africa, 1903).
    • Young India (English weekly, 1919).
    • Navjivan (Gujarati weekly, 1919).
    • Harijan (English/Hindi/Gujarati, 1933).
    • Not associated with Indian Mirror.
  • Lala Lajpat Rai: The Punjabi (English); Vande Mataram (Urdu daily from Lahore); The People (English weekly).
  • Thanthai Periyar (E.V. Ramasamy): Kudiarasu (Tamil daily).
  • Bramhabandhab Upadhyay: Sandhya (Bengali daily).
  • Shiv Prasad Gupta: Dainik Aaj (Hindi).
  • Madan Mohan Malviya: The Leader (English, 1910).
  • Jawaharlal Nehru: The National Herald (English, 1938).
  • George Allen: The Pioneer (English).
  • Pherozeshah Mehta: Bombay Chronicle (English, 1913).
  • Motilal Nehru: Independent (English, 1919).
  • T.M. Nair: Justice (English, organ of the Justice Party).
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Mooknayak (Marathi, 1920, meaning 'Leader of the Voiceless'); Bahishkrit Bharat (Marathi, 1927); Janata (Marathi, 1930); Prabuddha Bharat (Marathi, 1956).
  • Vijay Singh Pathik: Uparmal Ko Danko; Rajasthan Kesari.
  • Barindra Ghosh & Bhupendranath Datta: Yugantar (Bengali weekly, 1906).
  • Viswanath Narayan Mandlik (V.N. Mandlik): Native Opinion (Anglo-Marathi weekly, 1864).
  • K.N. Natarajan: Indian Social Reformer (Editor).
  • Annie Besant: New India (daily, 1915); Commonweal (weekly, 1914).
  • Ganga Prasad Varma: Hindustani (Editor).
  • Radio Broadcasting: Began in India in 1923 (Bombay Radio Club).

Early British Censorship and Regulations (e.g., Adam's Regulations)

  • Early Printing Press in India: Portuguese brought European movable metal types to Goa in 1556 (some sources mention 1550 for initial types).
  • First Indian script for which types were prepared was Tamil (late 17th century).
  • English East India Company's first experiment with printing was in Bombay (1674-75) at the request of Bhimji Parak, not Calcutta.
  • First Indian Newspaper: James Augustus Hicky published "The Bengal Gazette" (also known as "Hicky's Bengal Gazette") in 1780.
  • Censorship of Press Act, 1799 (Lord Wellesley): Imposed pre-censorship due to fear of French invasion.
  • Regulations of 1818 (Lord Hastings): Replaced pre-censorship with 'punitive' measures only.
  • Licensing Regulations, 1823 (John Adam, acting Governor-General): Mandated licensing for all presses, primarily targeting Indianlanguage newspapers. Raja Ram Mohan Roy's `Mirat-ul-Akhbar` ceased publication in protest.
  • Press Act of 1835 (Charles Metcalfe): Repealed the 1823 regulations, requiring only a declaration of printer/publisher. Charles Metcalfe is known as the 'Liberator of the Indian Press' for this act.
  • Lord William Bentinck (1828-1835) adopted a generally liberal policy towards the press, preceding Metcalfe's 1835 Act.
  • Licensing Act, 1857 (Lord Canning): Imposed licensing for all publications for one year, due to the 1857 Revolt.
  • Registration Act, 1867: Replaced the 1857 Act; required a declaration of printer/publisher and submission of a copy of the publication to the government, but no licensing or pre-censorship.

Growth of Indian-owned and Vernacular Press (mid-19th Century)

  • First English newspaper in India: Hicky's Bengal Gazette (also known as Bengal Gazette or Hicky's Gazette), published in 1780 from Calcutta.
  • First Marathi newspaper: Darpan (1832).
  • First Hindi newspaper: Udant Martand.
  • First Persian newspaper: Mirat-ul-Akhbar.
  • First Urdu newspaper: Jam-e-Jahanuma.
  • First Assamese magazine: Orunodoi (published 1846).
  • Indian Mirror: Published from Calcutta in 1861 and active in 1880.
  • Rast Goftar: Nationalist newspaper from Bombay, Gujarati-English weekly (edited by Dadabhai Naoroji).
  • The Times of India: Generally considered a non-nationalist newspaper.
  • Prominent Nationalist Newspapers: The Hindu, Bengalee, The Mahratta, Hindu Patriot, Kesari, Swadesamitran.
  • Hindu Patriot: First newspaper published by Indians in English language.
  • Comrade: English language newspaper.
  • Navjivan: Gujarati language newspaper.
  • Swadesamitran: Tamil language newspaper.
  • Sulabh Samachar: Bengali language newspaper.
  • Samvad Prabhakar: Bengali language newspaper.
  • Mumbai Samachar: Gujarati language newspaper.
  • Yugantar: Bengali language newspaper.
  • Vedic Yantralya printing press: Established in Ajmer.
  • Khairkhwahe Khalaq: Associated with Moti Begum.
  • Rajputana Gazette: Edited by Maulvi Murad Ali.
  • Rajasthan Samachar: Edited by Munshi Samarthdan (Samrath Das Charan), published in 1885 AD.
  • Sarvahit: Edited by Pt. Rampratap.
  • Lokvani: Edited by Devishankar Tiwari.
  • Tyag Bhumi: Edited by Hiralal Shastri.
  • Akhand Bharat: Edited by Jai Narayan Vyas.
  • Arya Martand: Edited by Ram Sahay Sharma.
  • Naveen Rajasthan: Published in 1922 A.D.
  • Rajputana Samachar (weekly in Hindi & Urdu): Edited by Bakshi Laxmandas.
  • Newspaper-Language Matchings:
    • Bhanumati: Hindi
    • Rashtramata: Marathi
    • Prajamitra: Gujarati
    • Nayak: Bengali

Legislative Measures to Control the Press (e.g., Vernacular Press Act 1878, Press Act 1910)

  • Vernacular Press Act (VPA), 1878:
    • Enacted by Lord Lytton.
    • Known as the 'Gagging Act'.
    • Modelled on Irish Press Laws.
    • Empowered District Magistrate to demand security from vernacular newspaper publishers, confiscate press/ property if 'seditious' material published.
    • No right to appeal.
    • Evoked nationwide protest against infringement on freedom of expression.
    • Amrita Bazar Patrika changed overnight into an English newspaper to circumvent the Act.
  • Repeal of VPA:
    • Repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882.
  • Newspaper (Incitement to Offence) Act, 1908:
    • Passed in 1908.
    • Empowered local governments to confiscate printing press if 'incitement to violence' published.
  • Other Repressive Acts, 1908:
    • Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act, 1908
    • Explosive Substances Act, 1908
    • Indian Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908
  • Press Act, 1910:
    • Empowered local government to demand security at registration from any newspaper/news sheet.
    • Aimed to check seditious publications.

Press during Mass Nationalist Movements (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India)

  • Nationalist press played a crucial role in propagating ideology, mobilizing masses, and exposing colonial policies throughout mass nationalist movements (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India).
  • During the Non-Cooperation Movement, newspapers popularized Swadeshi, boycott, and non-payment of taxes; faced government repression, including the Press Act of 1910.
  • During the Civil Disobedience Movement, many nationalist papers faced extensive censorship and suppression under ordinances like the Press (Emergency Powers) Act, 1931, leading to the rise of an underground press.
  • During the Quit India Movement, most prominent nationalist leaders and press were immediately suppressed; an underground press and "Congress Radio" became crucial for disseminating information and coordinating the movement.
  • The newspaper Naveen Rajasthan, shut down in 1923, was subsequently republished under the name Tarun Rajasthan.

Press in highlighting Economic Nationalism and Imperial Exploitation

  • Early nationalist press played a crucial role in highlighting economic nationalism and exposing imperial exploitation.
  • Newspapers like Amrita Bazar Patrika, The Hindu, Kesari, Mahratta, Bengalee, Indian Mirror, Reis and Rayyet, and Voice of India were instrumental.
  • Popularized the 'Drain of Wealth' theory, initially propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji, R.C. Dutt, G.V. Joshi, G. Subramania Iyer, and G.K. Gokhale.
  • Exposed British economic policies leading to India's impoverishment, including de-industrialization, destruction of handicrafts, high land revenue, and recurrent famines.
  • Highlighted the transfer of wealth to Britain through 'Home Charges', salaries of British officials, military expenditure, and interest on public debt.
  • Criticized discriminatory tariff policies favoring British goods and suppressing Indian industries.
  • Advocated for Swadeshi, boycott of foreign goods, and promotion of indigenous industries for self-reliance.
  • Journal "India": Started in London in 1890 by the British Committee of the Indian National Congress. Its purpose was to counteract unfavorable articles about India in the British Press and supply authentic information about India.

Reporting on Famines, Plagues, and other Colonial Policies

  • Indigo Revolt (1859-60): The Hindu Patriot, under editor Harish Chandra Mukherjee, vigorously denounced indigo planters and championed the cause of cultivators.

Role of Press in the Early Nationalist Movement (Moderate and Extremist Phases)

  • Press was the chief instrument for politicization, political propaganda, and propagation of political ideology during the Early Nationalist Movement (1870-1900, Moderate Phase).
  • Early nationalists used the press to educate, arouse political consciousness, criticize government policies, and expose colonial exploitation.
  • Key newspapers of the Moderate phase included The Hindu, Swadeshamitran, Kesari, Mahratta, Bengalee, and Amrita Bazar Patrika.

10. Social Religious Movement

Underground Press and Revolutionary Activities

  • `Swarajya` newspaper advertised for an editor with payment of ‘Two dry breads, a glass of water, and ten years imprisonment for each editorial’.
  • Popular magazines/newspapers critical of Congress during the revolutionary period include `Bangawasi`, `Kaal`, and `Kesari`.
  • `Navajyoti Printing Press` in Ajmer was searched under the Indian Security Act, 1932, on April 10, 1940, for possessing copies of the seized book `Us Paar Roshni`.

bride"); later shifted to advocate for distinct Muslim political interests.

    • Believed in religious toleration; Hindus, Parsis, Christians contributed to MAO College funds.
    • Regarded education as the sole means of national progress.
  • Aligarh Movement:
    • Led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
    • Primary aim: To promote Western Scientific Education among Muslims in India.
    • Centre: Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College, Aligarh.
    • Advocated reinterpretation of Islam in light of modern rationalism.
  • Key Institutions/Contributions by Sir Syed:
    • Scientific Society (1864, Ghazipur): Translated Western works into Urdu.
    • Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College (1875, Aligarh):
      • Founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
      • Curriculum blended Muslim theology (Islamic studies) and European empiricism (modern scientific subjects).
      • Elevated to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920.
    • All-India Muhammadan Educational Conference (1886): Founded by Sir Syed to promote his educational and political agenda.
    • Journals: Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq (Moral Improvement) - advocated social reforms.
    • Political Organizations (Anti-Congress):
      • United Indian Patriotic Association (1888): Founded with Raja Shiv Prasad of Benares.
      • Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association (1893): Formed to safeguard Muslim political interests.
  • Other Related Muslim Reformers/Societies:
    • Nawab Abdul Latif (1828-1893):
      • Known as "Father of Muslim Renaissance in Bengal."
      • Founded Mohammedan Literary Society (1863, Calcutta): Promoted English education and Western learning among Muslims in Bengal.
    • Sayyid Ameer Ali (1849-1928):
      • Founded National Mohammedan Association (1877, Calcutta): Focused on Muslim political rights and upliftment.

Practice MCQs: Development of Press in Modern India

Contributions of Key Personalities to Indian Journalism (e.g., Tilak, Gandhi, Raja Rammohan Roy)

  1. From the options given below, find the correct combination of the names of Editors of the nationalist newspapers The Hindu, Kesari, Bengalee, Hindustani, Sudharak:

    Asked in: Forest Range Officer Exam 2012

    1. Surendra Nath Banerjea, G. Subramania Iyer, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Ganga Prasad Varma, Gopal Krishna Gokhale
    2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, G. Subramania Iyer, Surendra Nath Banerjea, Ganga Prasad Varma, Gopal Krishna Gokhale
    3. Economic Reforms
    4. Judicial Reforms
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Surendra Nath Banerjea, G. Subramania Iyer, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Ganga Prasad Varma, Gopal Krishna Gokhale

    The Woods Despatch (1854) is a significant policy document related to the development and structure of education in British India.

  2. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched ? (1) Woods Dispatch – 1854 (2) Hartog Committee – 1929 (3) Hunter Commission – 1882-1883 (4) Sadler's University Commission – 1858

    Asked in: School Lecturer (Sanskrit Edu.) 2018

    1. Woods Dispatch – 1854
    2. Hartog Committee – 1929
    3. Hunter Commission – 1882-1883
    4. Sadler's University Commission – 1858
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Sadler's University Commission – 1858

    Woods Dispatch: 1854 Hartog Committee: 1929 Hunter Commission: 1882-1883 Sadler's University Commission: 1917-1919 C. G. Subramania Iyer, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Surendra Nath Banerjea, Ganga Prasad Varma, Gopal Krishna Gokhale D. G. Subramania Iyer, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Surendra Nath Banerjea, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Ganga Prasad Varma Ans: C BPSC Prelims Exam-64th - The Hindu was co-founded by G. Subramania Iyer in 1878. - Kesari, a Marathi newspaper, was edited by Bal Gangadhar Tilak from 1881 onwards. He also edited the English paper Mahratta. - Bengalee was a newspaper edited by Surendra Nath Banerjea from 1879. - Hindustani was a nationalist newspaper founded and edited by Ganga Prasad Varma in Lucknow. - Sudharak (The Reformer) was founded by Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1888. Gokhale became the editor after Agarkar left.

  3. Who among the following founded the Marathi newspaper 'Kesari' ?

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 1 2021

    1. Lokmanya Tilak
    2. Vallabhbhai Patel
    3. Lala Lajpat Rai
    4. Mahatma Gandhi
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lokmanya Tilak

    'Kesari' was a prominent newspaper during India's freedom struggle, used by Tilak to propagate nationalist ideas and mobilize public opinion against British rule.

  4. Which one of the following pairs of Newspaper and Editor is not correctly matched ? Newspaper Editor Navjivan Mahatma Gandhi Mahratta Bal Gangadhar Tilak Bengalee Surendranath Banerjea Voice of India Gopal Krishna Gokhale

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 1 2022

    1. Navjivan Mahatma Gandhi
    2. Mahratta Bal Gangadhar Tilak
    3. Bengalee Surendranath Banerjea
    4. Voice of India Gopal Krishna Gokhale
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Voice of India Gopal Krishna Gokhale

    - 'Navjivan' was a Gujarati weekly published/edited by Mahatma Gandhi. - 'Mahratta' (English) and 'Kesari' (Marathi) were two newspapers founded and edited by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. - 'Bengalee' was a prominent nationalist newspaper founded and edited by Surendranath Banerjea. - 'Voice of India' was a newspaper founded by Dadabhai Naoroji, initially published in London and later from Bombay. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was not its founder or primary editor, although he was associated with various newspapers and journals like 'Mahratta' (as a contributor in its early phase) and 'Sudharak'.

  5. Match the items in List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below : List-I List-II (a) Dinbandhu (1) K.N. Natarajan (b) Maratha (2) G.C. Agarkar (c) Indian Social Report (3) N.M. Lokhande (d) Shodhak (4) B.G. Tilak Codes :

    Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2010

    1. (a)-1, (b)-2, (c)-3, (d)-4
    2. (a)-2, (b)-3, (c)-4, (d)-1
    3. (a)-3, (b)-4, (c)-1, (d)-2
    4. (a)-4, (b)-3, (c)-2, (d)-1
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (a)-3, (b)-4, (c)-1, (d)-2

    This question tests knowledge about prominent journalists, newspapers, and social reformers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in India.

  6. With which of the following newspapers was Gandhiji not associated?

    Asked in: JPSC CS Prelims 2024

    1. Young India
    2. Indian Mirror
    3. Harijan
    4. Indian Opinion
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Indian Mirror

    Newspapers and journals were important tools for Gandhiji to disseminate his ideas on satyagraha, Swaraj, and social reform.

  7. The 'Indian Opinion' was a newspaper launched from

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2016

    1. The Bengal Presidency
    2. Britain
    3. South Africa
    4. France
    Show answer

    Answer: C. South Africa

    - 'Indian Opinion' was a newspaper established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1903 during his time in South Africa. - It served as a crucial instrument for Gandhi and the Natal Indian Congress to fight against racial discrimination and advocate for the rights of the Indian community in South Africa. - The newspaper was published in English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Tamil, reflecting the diverse Indian population there.

  8. Lala Lajpat Rai was associated with which of the following newspapers ? 1. Kohinoor 2. The Punjabi 3. Vande Mataram 4. The People

    Asked in: PPSC CS Prelims 2015

    1. 2, 3 and 4
    2. 1, 2 and 4
    3. 2 and 4
    4. All of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: D. All of the above

    - Lala Lajpat Rai used journalism extensively for nationalist propaganda. - Key publications associated with him include The Punjabi, Vande Mataram, and The People. - He was also associated with Kohinoor early in his career.

  9. The Editor of Tamil daily Kudiarasu.

    Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2021

    1. Thanthai Periyar
    2. C. Rajaji
    3. Satyamurti
    4. C.N. Annadurai
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Thanthai Periyar

    E.V. Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar or Thanthai Periyar, was the founder and editor of the Tamil daily newspaper 'Kudiarasu' (literally meaning 'Republic'). The journal was launched in 1925 and served as a significant voice for the Self- Respect Movement and its principles of social reform, anti-casteism, and rationalism.

  10. Who was the editor of the 'Hindoo Patriot'?

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2018

    1. Surendranath Banerjee
    2. Motilal Ghosh
    3. Sisir Kumar Ghosh
    4. Harish Chandra Mukerjee
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Harish Chandra Mukerjee

    Harish Chandra Mukerjee (also spelled Mukherjee) was a prominent Indian journalist and freedom fighter who served as the editor of the influential nationalist newspaper 'Hindoo Patriot' from 1855 until his death in 1861. Under his editorship, the newspaper became a powerful voice against British policies and landlord oppression, famously supporting the indigo cultivators during the Indigo Revolt.

  11. Who was the first editor of the Amrita Bazar Patrika?

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2020

    1. Sambhuchandra Mukhopadhyay
    2. Sisir Kumar Ghosh
    3. Girish Chandra Ghosh
    4. Robert Knight
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Sisir Kumar Ghosh

    Sisir Kumar Ghosh was the first editor of Amrita Bazar Patrika.

Early British Censorship and Regulations (e.g., Adam's Regulations)

  1. From the following Britishers, who is credited for removal of ban on news-papers ?

    Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2012

    1. Lord William Bentinck
    2. Charles Metcalf
    3. Lord Macaulay
    4. Warren Hastings
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Charles Metcalf

    - The Licensing Regulations of 1823 had imposed strict controls and censorship on the press in India. - Metcalfe's decision significantly freed up the press and allowed for greater expression, although restrictions were reimposed later by other Governors- General. - This act earned him the title "Liberator of the Indian Press".

  2. Consider the following statements about the early modern technology in India : 1. The Portuguese brought European movable metal types to Goa in 1550. 2. The first Indian script of which types were prepared was Tamil. 3. The English Company's first experiment with printing press was at Calcutta. 4. The English Company imported printing press to India in 1674-75 at the request of Bhimji Parak. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

    Asked in: UPSC NDA 1 2015

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3
    3. 3 and 4
    4. 1, 2 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 4

    The introduction of the printing press to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century in Goa marked a significant technological shift. Early efforts included preparing types for Indian scripts, with Tamil being notably among the first. The English Company introduced printing much later, first in Bombay.

  3. What was the title of the first newspaper published by James Augustus Hickey ?

    Asked in: OPSC CS Prelims 2020

    1. The Bengal Journal
    2. The Calcutta Chronicle
    3. The Madras Courier
    4. The Bengal Gazette
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The Bengal Gazette

    James Augustus Hickey published the first newspaper in India, titled 'The Bengal Gazette'. It was also known as 'Hicky's Bengal Gazette' or 'Calcutta General Advertiser'.

  4. In which of the following year was the freedom of press given by Lord William Bentinck ?

    Asked in: MPPSC CS Prelims 2023

    1. 1832 A.D.
    2. 1833 A.D.
    3. 1834 A.D.
    4. 1835 A.D.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1835 A.D.

    Although Lord William Bentinck's tenure ended in 1835, the significant liberation of the press from previous restrictive regulations occurred in 1835. While Bentinck had a more liberal attitude towards the press compared to his predecessors, the famous "Metcalfe Act" (Press Act of 1835), which repealed the 1823 restrictions, was passed by Sir Charles Metcalfe, who officiated as Governor-General briefly after Bentinck's departure but continued his liberal policies. The year 1835 is associated with this major step towards press freedom.

Growth of Indian-owned and Vernacular Press (mid-19th Century)

  1. Which one of the following was the first English newspaper in India in the year 1780?

    Asked in: APSC CCE Prelims Exam 2016

    1. The Calcutta Gazette
    2. The Bengal Gazette
    3. The Bengal Journal
    4. The Bombay Herald
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Bengal Gazette

    James Augustus Hicky started 'The Bengal Gazette' or 'Calcutta General Advertiser' in 1780 in Calcutta. It was India's first newspaper.

  2. Match the events in List-I with their respective years in List-II : List- List-I II 1. a. Treaty of Yandaboo 1846 b. First Assamese magazine Orunodoi 2. published 1826 c. Establishment of Assam Medical Col‐ 3. lege 2005 d. Annulment of the IMDT Act, 1983 by 4. the Supreme Court 1947 Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    Asked in: APSC CCE Prelims Exam 2022

    1. a-2, b-1, c-3, d-4
    2. a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3
    3. a-4, b-3, c-1, d-2
    4. a-3, b-2, c-4, d-1
    Show answer

    Answer: B. a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3

    Correct historical dates are matched with the respective events concerning Assam's history.

  3. Which of the following was not a 'nationalist' newspaper?

    Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 64th

    1. The Hindu
    2. Bengalee
    3. The Mahratta
    4. The Times of India
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The Times of India

    - 'Nationalist' newspapers played a crucial role in awakening political consciousness and mobilizing public opinion against British rule in India. - Examples of prominent nationalist newspapers included The Hindu, Bengalee, The Mahratta, Kesari, Amrita Bazar Patrika, etc.

  4. Which one of the following was a nationalist newspaper published from Bombay?

    Asked in: UPSC Geoscientist 2022

    1. Som Prakash
    2. Rast Goftar
    3. Advocate
    4. Akhbar-e-Am
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Rast Goftar

    Rast Goftar (meaning 'Truth Teller') was an Anglo- Gujarati newspaper founded in 1851 by Dadabhai Naoroji and Kharshedji Cama in Bombay. While it initially served the Parsi community and advocated for social reforms, it also became a significant voice for moderate nationalist views and political awareness, published from Bombay.

  5. Name the first newspaper in India.

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2023

    1. Parthenon
    2. Digdarshan
    3. Bengal Gazette / Hicky's Gazette / Hicky's Bengal Gazette
    4. Samachar Darpan
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Bengal Gazette / Hicky's Gazette / Hicky's Bengal Gazette

    The first newspaper published in India was the 'Bengal Gazette' (also known as 'Hicky's Bengal Gazette' or 'Hicky's Gazette'), started by James Augustus Hicky in 1780 in Calcutta.

  6. The paper 'Indian Mirror' was published during 1861 from—

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2011

    1. Bombay
    2. Calcutta
    3. Madras
    4. Pondicherry
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Calcutta

    It was one of the significant English-language newspapers advocating for social and political reforms and voicing Indian aspirations during the late 19th century.

  7. Match List - I with list - IT and select the correct answer from the codes given below ihe lists : List-1 List-11 (Newspaper) (Langs age)

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2012

    1. BhanuMfr* 1. Bengalii
    2. Rashtramata 2. Gujarat
    3. Prajamitra 3. Hindi
    4. Nayak 4. Marathi Codes: A. 1 2 4 3 B. 2 3 1 4 C. 3 4 2 1 D. 4 1 3 2
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Prajamitra 3. Hindi

    Matching the newspapers with their languages: A. Bhanumati - 3. Hindi B. Rashtramata - 4. Marathi C. Prajamitra - 2. Gujarati D. Nayak - 1. Bengali

  8. The first newspaper published by the Indians in English language was:

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2006

    1. Hindu Patriot
    2. The Hindu
    3. Young India
    4. Native Opinion
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Hindu Patriot

    The Hindu Patriot was founded in 1853 by Madhusudan Ray and later became prominent under the editorship of Harish Chandra Mukherjee and then Kristo Das Pal. While Gangadhar Bhattacharya's 'Bengal Gazette' (1816) is considered the first newspaper in English by an Indian, it is not among the options. The Hindu Patriot is the earliest and a historically significant newspaper among the choices provided, representing early Indian nationalist journalism.

  9. The paper 'Indians Mirror' was published during1880 from

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2007

    1. Bombay
    2. Calcutta
    3. Madras
    4. Pondicherry
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Calcutta

    'Indian Mirror', a prominent 19th-century English newspaper, was published from Calcutta.

  10. Where was the “Vedic Yantralya” printing press established ?

    Asked in: Agri. Officer 2020

    1. Udaipur
    2. Ajmer
    3. Bikaner
    4. Jaipur
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Udaipur

    Establishment of the "Vedic Yantralya" printing press in Udaipur.

  11. Moti Begum was associated with which of the following newspaper ? (1) Jaghit Karak (2) Rajput Gazette (3) Rajasthan Samachar (4) Khairkhwahe Khalaq

    Asked in: Agri. Officer 2020

    1. (1)
    2. (2)
    3. (3)
    4. (4)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (3)

    Association of a historical figure with a specific newspaper.

Legislative Measures to Control the Press (e.g., Vernacular Press Act 1878, Press Act 1910)

  1. Who passed the vernacular Press Act restricting the freedom of the Press?

    Asked in: APSC CCE Prelims Exam 2001

    1. Lord Dalhousie
    2. Lord Lytton
    3. Lord Dufferin
    4. Lord Lansdown
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Lord Lytton

    The Act allowed the government to confiscate the printing press, paper, and other materials of any vernacular newspaper if it published anything considered objectionable, without prior warning. This discriminatory act was aimed at silencing critical voices emerging from the Indian press.

  2. Which of the following statements about the Vernacular Press Act is/are correct? 1. It was enacted by Lord Lytton. 2. It came to be known as a 'Gagging Act'. 3. The Act was repealed by Lord Ripon. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 69th

    1. Only 1 and 2
    2. Only 2 and 3
    3. Only 1
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

    The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was indeed enacted by Lord Lytton. It empowered district magistrates to require printers and publishers of vernacular newspapers to furnish security deposits and confiscate their press if they published anything objectionable. Because of its harsh provisions curbing the freedom of the vernacular press, it was widely criticized and nicknamed the 'Gagging Act'. The Act was later repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882.

  3. Which of the following Bangla newspaper underwent a rapid transformation, changing overnight into an English newspaper in order to circumvent the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 ?

    Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2024

    1. Yugantar Patrika
    2. Anand Bazar Patrika
    3. Samachar Darpan
    4. Amrita Bazar Patrika
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Amrita Bazar Patrika

    cgpsc 2025-2025 - The Vernacular Press Act 1878 targeted vernacular (Indian language) newspapers. - Amrita Bazar Patrika was founded in 1868 and published in Bengali. - To avoid the harsh provisions of the Act, the newspaper swiftly changed its language of publication to English.

  4. Consider the following statements about the press and literature in Colonial India : 1. The print media enabled the nationalists living in different parts of the country to exchange views with one another. 2. The British rulers were prepared to tolerate the nationalist criticism of their rule. 3. The Vernacular Press Act (1878) evoked a nationwide protest against the encroachment on freedom of expression. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    Asked in: UPSC CAPF 2009

    1. 1 and 3
    2. 2 and 3
    3. 2 only
    4. 1 and 2
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1 and 3

    - Newspapers were a crucial tool for nationalist mobilization and communication in Colonial India. - The British Government actively sought to control and suppress the nationalist press through legislation like the Vernacular Press Act. - The Vernacular Press Act was a significant event that demonstrated the government's repressive policies and fueled anti-British sentiment.

  5. Consider the following historical events in India carefully: 1. The Indian press failed to protest against the Vernacular Press Act of 1878. 2. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was introduced by Viceroy Lytton against the counsel of his own Law Member. Which of the above is/are correct?

    Asked in: UPSC CAPF 2022

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 only

    - Statement 1 is incorrect. The Indian press did not fail to protest against the Vernacular Press Act of 1878; rather, it was met with strong protests from the nationalist press and the public. Many vernacular newspapers opposed the Act vehemently. Some, like 'Amrita Bazar Patrika', even changed their language overnight to English to escape the Act's provisions. - Statement 2 is correct. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was introduced by Viceroy Lord Lytton. Historical accounts indicate that Lord Lytton's Law Member, Sir Arthur Hobhouse, had reservations about the severity of the proposed legislation or even opposed it, but it was pushed through.

  6. Who passed the 'Vernacular Press Act'?

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2015

    1. Lord Lytton
    2. Lord Dalhousie
    3. Lord Wellesley
    4. Lord Curzon
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lord Lytton

    Lord Lytton, who served as Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880, enacted the Vernacular Press Act in

  7. This act allowed the government to confiscate the printing press of any vernacular newspaper that published "seditious" material. 65. Who among the following Viceroys repealed the Vernacular Press Act of 1878?

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2022

    1. Lord Lytton
    2. Lord Curzon
    3. Lord Dufferin
    4. Lord Ripon
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Lord Ripon

    Lord Ripon was known for his liberal policies compared to his predecessor, Lord Lytton. His repeal of the Vernacular Press Act was seen as a measure to grant greater freedom to the Indian press.

  8. W ho among the following introduced the Vernacular Press Act ?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2011 · UPPSC Upper Mains 2007

    1. Lord Lytton
    2. Lord Ripon
    3. Lord Curzon
    4. Lord Hastings
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Lord Lytton

    - The Act was designed to better control the vernacular press and effectively punish and repress seditious writing. - It allowed the government to confiscate the printing press, paper, and other materials of a newspaper if it published anything objectionable. - The Act was highly unpopular and was repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882.

  9. Which laws were taken as models for the Vernacular Press Act, 1878?

    Asked in: APPSC Panchayat secretary Prelims 2016

    1. Irish Press Laws
    2. English Press Laws
    3. Indian Press Laws
    4. American Press.Laws
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Irish Press Laws

    The Act allowed the government to confiscate the printing press, paper, and other materials of a newspaper if it published anything objectionable, without prior warning or right to appeal.

  10. The Vernacular Press Act was enacted by

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2023

    1. Lord Curzon
    2. Lord Ripon
    3. Lord Lytton
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Lord Lytton

    The Act was controversial as it imposed strict censorship on vernacular newspapers in India, allowing the government to confiscate printing presses if publications were found to be 'seditious'.

  11. In which year, the ‘Vernacular Press Act’ was passed in British India?

    Asked in: District Library and Information Officer(DLIO) 2018

    1. 1858
    2. 1878
    3. 1898
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 1878

    The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was enacted by Lord Lytton's government. It empowered district magistrates to seize printing presses and their contents without a prior appeal to the government. It was effectively repealed in 1882 by Lord Ripon.

Press during Mass Nationalist Movements (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India)

  1. Which of the following newspapers shut- down in 1923 was republished by the name Tarun Rajasthan ?

    Asked in: Sr. Teacher (Sanskrit Edu.) Comp. Exam 2022

    1. Rajasthan Kesari
    2. Navjeevan
    3. Naveen Rajasthan
    4. Rajasthan
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Naveen Rajasthan

    a-2022 'Naveen Rajasthan' was a prominent Hindi weekly newspaper that played a role in the Rajasthan freedom movement. It was published from Beawar. When it ceased publication in 1923, it was revived and renamed 'Tarun Rajasthan', continuing its advocacy for nationalist and reformist causes.

  2. In the early 20th century, Indian nationalists began to ______ newspapers explicitly to advocate their cause.

    Asked in: Asst Mana APDCL GS 06 2023

    1. publish
    2. bring out
    3. promote
    4. establish
    Show answer

    Answer: D. establish

    The sentence describes the act of creating and starting newspapers with a specific political objective. The verb needs to imply initiation and foundation.

Press in highlighting Economic Nationalism and Imperial Exploitation

  1. To counteract unfavourable articles on India in the British Press and to supply authentic information, a journal was started in 1890. Name it.

    Asked in: Sub Inspector 2021

    1. Dawn
    2. News Chronicle
    3. India
    4. Wheel of History
    Show answer

    Answer: C. India

    This question tests knowledge of early nationalist journalism in India. Such publications played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and articulating the aspirations of the Indian independence movement during the British colonial era.

Reporting on Famines, Plagues, and other Colonial Policies

  1. Which of the following newspapers made vigorous denunciation of the indigo planters and supported the case of cultivators during 'Indigo riots'?

    Asked in: District Statistical Officer Assistant Director 2025

    1. Hurkaru
    2. Hindu Patriot
    3. Friend of India
    4. Hindustan
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Hindu Patriot

    The "Hindu Patriot" newspaper was a prominent advocate for the rights of ryots (cultivators) during the Indigo Rebellion, using its platform to expose the exploitation by indigo planters.

Role of Press in the Early Nationalist Movement (Moderate and Extremist Phases)

  1. Consider the following statements consisting of Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and select your answer using the code below: Assertion (A) : The main political task of the national movement from 1870 to 1900 was politicisation, political propaganda and formation and propagation of political ideology. Reason (R) : The press was the Chief instrument for carrying out this task.

    Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2014

    1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. Both (A) and (R) are false
    3. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    4. (A) is true but (R) is false
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    - Assertion (A) is true: The early phase of the Indian national movement (roughly 1870-1900), dominated by the Moderates, focused on educating Indians about political issues, spreading nationalist ideas among the public, and articulating a political ideology based on constitutional methods. This period was crucial for building a national consciousness and political identity. - Reason (R) is true: The press was indeed a vital tool for the early nationalists. Newspapers and journals like 'The Hindu', 'Swadesamitran', 'Bengalee', 'Amrita Bazar Patrika', 'Indian Mirror', 'Kesari', and 'Mahratta' were used extensively to criticize government policies, articulate grievances, and spread nationalist messages, thereby facilitating politicisation and propaganda. - Relationship: Reason (R) provides the primary method or instrument (the press) through which the task described in Assertion (A) (politicisation, propaganda, and propagation of ideology) was effectively carried out by the early national movement leaders. Therefore, (R) correctly explains (A).

  2. In which newspaper 'Boycott' was first declared?

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2020

    1. Sanjiboni
    2. Hitawadi
    3. Yugantar
    4. Amrita Bazar
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Sanjiboni

    'Sanjibani' was edited by Krishna Kumar Mitra and was instrumental in popularizing the Swadeshi and Boycott movement.

Underground Press and Revolutionary Activities

  1. Which newspaper gave an advertisement for the post of editor with the payment of ‘Two dry breads (rotis), a glass of water and ten years imprisonment for each editorial’ ?

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2016

    1. Kesari
    2. Swarajya
    3. Vande Mataram
    4. Kaal
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Kaal

    Kaal was a Marathi newspaper known for its radical nationalist views and sharp criticism of British rule. Its editor, Shivrampant Paranjape, often wrote inflammatory articles that invited sedition charges and imprisonment, making the described conditions a stark, albeit perhaps hyperbolic, representation of the dangers involved.

  2. Which one of the popular magazines of the revolutionary period criticized the Congress for various reasons ?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2011

    1. Bangawasi
    2. Kaal
    3. Kesari
    4. All of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: D. All of the above

    Magazines like 'Bangawasi', 'Kaal', and 'Kesari' were prominent nationalist newspapers and journals published during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While they championed the cause of Indian nationalism, they often adopted a critical stance towards the policies and methods of the Indian National Congress, particularly its moderate faction, which they felt was not sufficiently aggressive or demanding towards the British. These papers often voiced the sentiments of more assertive nationalists and sometimes revolutionary groups, thus criticizing the Congress for various reasons ranging from its methods (petitions, prayers) to its goals (Dominion Status vs. Swaraj).

  3. Which press office of Ajmer was searched under Indian Security Act, 1932 on the charge of keeping copies of the seized book 'Us Paar Roshni' on 10th April 1940 ? - Question not attempted

    Asked in: Assistant Eng. (Mechanical) Competitive Examination, 2023

    1. Navajyoti Printing Press
    2. Rajasthan Sewa Sangh Press
    3. Amar Printing Press
    4. Bharat Printing Press
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Rajasthan Sewa Sangh Press