Test: Print Culture & Modern World - 3 - UPSC MCQ

The answer is option (A). Penny Chapbooks were carried by petty pedlars known as chapmen in England. These books were sold for a penny, so that even the poor could buy them.

The art of printing first entered India through Goa. In a letter to St. Ignatius of Loyola, dated 30 April 1556, Father Gasper Caleza speaks of a ship carrying a printing press setting sail for Abyssinia from Portugal, with the purpose of helping missionary work in Abyssinia.

My childhood My university’ is written by Maxim Gorky.Alexei Maximovich Peshkov, primarily known as Maxim Gorky, was a Russian and Soviet writer, a founder of the socialist realism literary method, and a political activist. He was also a five-time nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

When was the Vernacular Press Act passed?
The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878.
Here is a detailed explanation:
What is the Vernacular Press Act?
The Vernacular Press Act was a law enacted by the British colonial government in India during the British Raj. It aimed to restrict the freedom of the Indian-language press, particularly the newspapers published in vernacular languages.
When was it passed?
The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878.
What were the key provisions of the act?
The act imposed certain restrictions on the vernacular press, including:
1. Requirement of obtaining a license: Under the act, newspaper publishers were required to obtain a license from the government in order to publish newspapers in vernacular languages.
2. Censorship powers: The act granted the government the power to censor and prohibit the publication or circulation of any material that was deemed seditious or objectionable.
3. Penalties for non-compliance: The act imposed penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for non-compliance with its provisions.
What was the impact of the act?
The Vernacular Press Act was highly controversial and was seen as an attempt by the British government to suppress dissent and criticism in the Indian press. It was widely criticized by Indian nationalists and journalists for curbing the freedom of the press and stifling the voice of the Indian people.
The act remained in force until it was repealed in 1882, following widespread protests and opposition from various quarters.
Overall, the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was an important milestone in the history of the Indian press, highlighting the struggles for freedom of speech and expression during the colonial era.

Martin Luther remarked “Printing is the ultimate gift of God and the greatest one. Martin Luther was highly critical of the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church. He wanted people to know about these excesses.

The oldest printed book in Japan is the Diamond Sutra. Here is a detailed explanation:
Background:
- The Diamond Sutra, also known as "Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra," is a Buddhist text.
- It was printed in the year 868 AD during the Heian period in Japan.
Importance of the Diamond Sutra:
- The Diamond Sutra is a key scripture in Mahayana Buddhism.
- It emphasizes the concept of emptiness (śūnyatā) and the practice of compassion.
- The sutra is highly regarded for its teachings on transcending attachment and achieving enlightenment.
Printing Technology in Japan:
- The printing technology used for the Diamond Sutra is known as woodblock printing.
- Woodblock printing involves carving characters or images onto a wooden block, inking the block, and then pressing it onto paper to create a printed copy.
- This technique was widely used in East Asia before the invention of moveable type printing press.
Significance of the Diamond Sutra's Printing:
- The printing of the Diamond Sutra marked a significant milestone in the history of printing in Japan.
- It was the first complete book to be printed in Japan.
- The Diamond Sutra contributed to the spread of Buddhism and the development of printing technology in the country.
In conclusion, the Diamond Sutra is the oldest printed book in Japan. Printed in 868 AD using woodblock printing technology, it holds great importance in Buddhist teachings and played a crucial role in the history of printing in Japan.

The Ninety-five Theses or Disputation on the Power of Indulgences are a list of propositions for an academic disputation written in 1517 by Martin Luther, professor of moral theology at the University of Wittenberg, Germany, that started the Reformation, a schism in the Catholic Church which profoundly changed Europe.Acting on this belief, he wrote the “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences,” also known as “The 95 Theses,” a list of questions and propositions for debate. Popular legend has it that on October 31, 1517 Luther defiantly nailed a copy of his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church. 

 Aamar Jiban, published in 1876, is the name of Rassundari Devi's autobiography and is the first autobiography written by an Indian woman and also the first written by any Bengali female. It tells us about the status of women in the 19th century Indian society.

Marco Polo brought back the art of wood block painting to Italy. Here is a detailed explanation:
Marco Polo:
- Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who traveled extensively in Asia during the 13th century.
- He spent around 17 years in the court of Kublai Khan, the ruler of the Mongol Empire.
- During his travels, Marco Polo encountered various forms of art and culture, including wood block painting.
- Wood block printing was a popular artistic technique in China and other parts of Asia at that time.
- Marco Polo observed and learned about this art form during his stay in Asia.
- When he returned to Italy, he brought back the knowledge and techniques of wood block painting.
Wood Block Painting:
- Wood block painting is a form of printmaking in which an image is carved into a block of wood.
- The carved block is then inked and pressed onto paper or another surface to create a printed image.
- This technique allows for the reproduction of images, making it an important method for disseminating art and information.
- In Italy, wood block printing became popular during the Renaissance period and had a significant impact on the development of art and printing.
Impact on Italy:
- Marco Polo's introduction of wood block painting to Italy played a crucial role in the artistic and cultural exchange between Europe and Asia.
- The technique of wood block printing revolutionized the art scene in Italy, allowing for the mass production of images and texts.
- It contributed to the spread of knowledge, ideas, and artistic styles across different regions of Italy and Europe.
- Wood block printing laid the foundation for the later development of other printing techniques, such as engraving and etching.
- The impact of wood block painting can still be seen today in the rich history of Italian art.

The art of printing first entered India through Goa. In a letter to St. Ignatius of Loyola, dated 30 April 1556, Father Gasper Caleza speaks of a ship carrying a printing press setting sail for Abyssinia from Portugal, with the purpose of helping missionary work in Abyssinia.

Kesari is a Marathi newspaperwhich was founded in 1881 by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent leader of the Indian Independence movement.

Mahatma Jotiba Phule's Gulamgiri is considered one of the first tracts against the caste system. Published in 1885, it critiques the institution of caste through a 16-part essay and four poetic compositions, and it is written in the form of a dialogue between Jotiba, and a character he calls Dhondiba.

Marco Polo was a great explorer of Italy who stayed many years in China. Marco Polo returned back to Italy in 1295. The earliest kind of woodblock printing technology was developed in China. Marco Polo brought this knowledge back with him in Italy..

Almanac: An annual publication giving astronomical data, information about the movements of the sun and moon, timing of full tides and eclipses, and much else that was of importance in the everyday life of the people.

The art of printing first entered India through Goa. In a letter to St. Ignatius of Loyola, dated 30 April 1556, Father Gasper Caleza speaks of a ship carrying a printing press setting sail for Abyssinia from Portugal, with the purpose of helping missionary work in Abyssinia.

This gorgeous woodblock print is the front "page" of the oldest surviving print manuscript in the world. This Chinese version of the Buddhist "Diamond Sutra" was printed in northern China in 868. On May 11, 868, publishers in northern China printed the Diamond Sutra, which survives as the oldest dated, printed book.

The earliest kind of print technology was first developed in China.

Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Invention of Woodblock Printing:
- The earliest form of print technology was woodblock printing, which was invented in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
- Woodblock printing involved carving characters or images onto a wooden block, inking the block, and then pressing it onto paper or cloth to create a print.
- This invention revolutionized the dissemination of information, as it allowed for the mass production of texts and images.
2. Spread to East Asia:
- From China, woodblock printing spread to neighboring countries like Korea and Japan.
- The Koreans further developed the technique and introduced movable metal type printing in the 13th century, which allowed for more efficient printing.
3. Development of Printing Press:
- The next major advancement in print technology was the invention of the printing press with movable type by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century in Europe.
- While Gutenberg's invention had a profound impact on the history of printing, it was built upon the foundations of woodblock printing and movable type printing techniques that originated in China.
4. Impact of Chinese Print Technology:
- Chinese print technology played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge and culture throughout East Asia.
- It facilitated the printing of religious texts, classical literature, and scientific works, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
- The development of print technology in China also paved the way for future advancements in printing techniques worldwide.
Conclusion:
The earliest kind of print technology, woodblock printing, was first developed in China. This invention had a significant impact on the dissemination of information and laid the foundation for future advancements in printing technology.

Galley is the metal frame in which types are laid and the text composed.

Protestant Reformation Movement and its relation to religion
The Protestant Reformation movement was a significant religious, political, and cultural upheaval that took place in the 16th century. It was primarily related to the religion of Christianity. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Background
- The Protestant Reformation was sparked by the dissatisfaction of some Christian individuals with the practices and teachings of the Catholic Church.
- It originated in Europe, particularly in Germany, and quickly spread to other parts of the continent.
2. Key Figures
- Martin Luther: A German monk and theologian who played a crucial role in initiating the Reformation by posting his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517.
- John Calvin: A French theologian who developed the theological system known as Calvinism, which had a significant impact on the Reformation movement.
3. Beliefs and Principles
- The movement was characterized by several key beliefs and principles, including:
- Sola Scriptura: Emphasizing the authority of Scripture alone as the source of religious truth, disregarding certain Catholic traditions and practices.
- Salvation by Faith: Emphasizing that individuals are justified by faith alone, rather than by good works.
- Priesthood of All Believers: Affirming the belief that all Christians have direct access to God and do not require intermediaries, such as priests.
4. Reformation Impact
- The movement led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, and others.
- It challenged the authority and power of the Catholic Church and resulted in the division of Christianity into Catholicism and Protestantism.
- The Reformation had profound social, political, and cultural consequences, including the rise of nation-states and the development of modern ideas about individual rights and freedoms.
In conclusion, the Protestant Reformation movement was indeed related to the religion of Christianity. Its impact on Christianity and European society was profound, leading to the emergence of various Protestant denominations and significant changes in religious, political, and cultural landscapes.

The Brothers Grimm (die Brüder Grimm or die Gebrüder Grimm), Jacob Ludwig Karl (1785–1863) and Wilhelm Carl (1786–1859), were German academics, philologists, cultural researchers, lexicographers and authors who together collected and published folklore during the 19th century. They were among the first and best-known collectors of German and European folk tales, and popularized traditional oral tale types such as "Cinderella" ("Aschenputtel"), "The Frog Prince" ("Der Froschkönig"), "The Goose-Girl" ("Die Gänsemagd"), "Hansel and Gretel" ("Hänsel und Gretel"), "Rapunzel", "Rumpelstiltskin" ("Rumpelstilzchen"), "Sleeping Beauty" ("Dornröschen"), and "Snow White" ("Schneewittchen").

The first Indian to publish a newspaper was Gangadhar Bhattacharya who brought out in English. In 1818 Digdarshan was started as the first Bengali weekly by Marshman from Srirampore. On December 4th 1821 Raja Ram Mohan Roy started Samvad Kaumudi and Persian weekly Mirat-ul-Akhbar in 1822.

The newspaper Shamsul Akhbar was published in Persian Language. This newspaper was published in 1823 founded by Mani Ram Thakur, and Mathur Mohan.

Rashsundari Debi was born in West Bengal and the first Indian woman to write an autobiography and the first Bengali to write an autobiography. Aamar Jiban (My Life), her autobiography, was published in 1876.

In 1878, the Vernacular Press Act was passed, modelled on the Irish Press Laws. It provided the government with extensive rights to censor reports and editorials in the vernacular press.

Thomas Macaulay was the liberal colonial officer who formulated new rules to restore the freedom of the press in India. The new Governor General Lord Metcalf, the successor of Bentink came to power in 1835. Like Bentink, he was a liberal and held strong views in favour of freedom of the press. When appointed, he invited Lord Macaulay, the renowned liberal scholar, historian and politician, who was then the legislative member of the Supreme Council, to draft a Press Act presumably to be incorporated into the code which was being drafted by the Law Commission. Macaulay, who favoured the new act, pointed out that the existing licensing regulations were wrong and the press in India should be free.