Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Contextualize the Role of the Press: Begin by explaining the emergence of the press in colonial India. Highlight the role of newspapers and journals in spreading political and social ideas, which contributed to the rise of nationalism.
  • Key Fact: The press in India began to develop in the early 19th century with the publication of newspapers like the Bengal Gazette (1780) and Calcutta Gazette (1784), initially aimed at the British community but later appealing to Indians.

2. Body

The body can be divided into several sections, each explaining a distinct way in which the press contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism. Make sure to support each point with examples and specific facts.

a. Press as a Propaganda Tool for Nationalism

• The press played a major role in spreading nationalist ideas and political movements among the masses. Newspapers became platforms for promoting ideas like self-rule (Swaraj), political reforms, and anti-colonial sentiments.
• Examples:
  • The Hindu (started in 1878 by G. Subramania Iyer) was known for promoting nationalist ideas and giving voice to Indian grievances against British rule.
  • Amrita Bazar Patrika (founded in 1868) in Bengal was another important publication that propagated nationalist ideologies and political programs.

b. Vernacular Press and Education of the Masses

• The vernacular press (newspapers published in regional languages) was crucial in reaching the common people, educating them about their rights and freedoms.
• Examples:
  • Kesari (in Marathi, founded by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1881) played a vital role in spreading ideas of self-rule and encouraging social reform.
  • Swadesamitran (founded by G. Subramania Iyer in Tamil in 1882) similarly worked to educate and raise awareness among Tamil-speaking people about India’s freedom struggle.

c. Facilitating the Exchange of Views

• The establishment of multiple newspapers allowed for an exchange of ideas between different regions, promoting inter-provincial collaboration on national issues such as political representation, social justice, and unity.
• Examples:
  • The Bombay Chronicle (started by F. M. D. Fitzgerald in 1910) provided a platform for discussing national issues.
  • The Statesman (founded in 1875 in Calcutta) became an important forum for debates on issues of national importance, providing space for both nationalist and moderate voices.

d. Support for the Indian National Congress (INC)

• Initially, the Indian National Congress (INC) had limited organizational infrastructure. The press played a key role in propagating the resolutions and activities of the INC, especially its call for constitutional reforms and later, full independence.
• Examples:
  • Young India (founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1919) and Harijan (started in 1933) became significant publications for spreading Gandhi’s ideas of non-violent resistance and self-rule. Gandhi used these papers to educate the masses and mobilize support for the INC.

e. Criticism of British Government and Exposing Injustices

• The press became a critical voice against British colonial policies, exposing the injustices faced by Indians and demanding independence. The press often functioned as a powerful opposition to British rule, highlighting issues like exploitative taxes, economic policies, and repressive measures.
• Examples:
  • The Indian Sociologist (founded by Lala Lajpat Rai in 1905) was a radical publication critical of British imperialism and highlighted issues such as the mistreatment of Indians under colonial rule.
  • The Pioneer (founded in 1865) also voiced criticism against the British administration, often attacking its policies that harmed Indian interests.

3. Conclusion

• Impact of the Press on Indian Nationalism: Conclude by reflecting on how, despite censorship and restrictions imposed by the British, the press in India played an indispensable role in uniting people, spreading nationalist ideas, and encouraging resistance against colonial rule.
  • Key Fact: The British government eventually introduced stringent censorship laws, such as the Vernacular Press Act (1878), to suppress the nationalist voices in the press. However, the press continued to thrive, using underground publications, art, and even graffiti to resist colonial rule.

Relevant Facts and Sources for Answer

• Bengal Gazette (1780) and Calcutta Gazette (1784) were some of the earliest publications in India that started as a medium for British residents but later contributed to spreading news to Indians.
• The Hindu (1878) was a major English-language newspaper that propagated nationalist ideas and was one of the leading voices in India’s fight for independence.
• Amrita Bazar Patrika (1868) was instrumental in popularizing Indian nationalism, particularly during the Swadeshi Movement.
• Kesari (1881) was a major Marathi newspaper that helped spread Lokmanya Tilak’s message of Swaraj and self-rule. Tilak also used Kesari to promote the idea of Swadeshi, opposing British economic policies.
• Swadesamitran (1882) was one of the leading Tamil newspapers that supported the Indian nationalist cause and social reform movements.
• Young India and Harijan (founded by Mahatma Gandhi) were instrumental in spreading Gandhi’s ideas of non-violence, civil disobedience, and self-rule (Swaraj) among the Indian masses.
• The Indian Sociologist (1905), founded by Lala Lajpat Rai, was a critical voice against British imperialism.
• The Pioneer (1865) regularly published articles that criticized British colonial policies, particularly focusing on issues related to economic exploitation and the treatment of Indians.