Infographics: Print Culture and the Modern World | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

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Print Culture and the Modern World: 
Complete Timeline
The history of print culture spans over a millennium, transforming how knowledge, ideas, and stories spread across 
civilizations. From ancient Chinese innovations to modern Indian nationalism, this timeline reveals the revolutionary 
impact of print technology on human society.
Early Asian Innovations (594-1400)
594 CE - China
Earliest woodblock printing begins in China, 
building on their earlier invention of paper. This 
marks the birth of mass reproduction of text.
768 CE - Japan
Buddhist monks introduce printing to Japan, 
spreading religious texts and establishing 
Japan's print culture foundation.
868 CE - Diamond Sutra
The world's oldest surviving printed book, the 
Diamond Sutra, is created in China/Japan, 
demonstrating sophisticated printing techniques.
14th Century - Korea
Korea develops movable metal type technology, 
producing the Jikji - a crucial innovation that 
would later influence European printing.
European Revolution (1295-1600)
1295 - Marco Polo's Return
Marco Polo brings knowledge of Chinese 
woodblock printing techniques to Europe via the 
Silk Route, planting seeds for European print 
culture.
1430s - Gutenberg's Innovation
Johann Gutenberg invents the movable metal 
type printing press in Germany, revolutionizing 
European book production forever. 1448 - First Major Book
Gutenberg's Bible is printed in 180 copies, 
becoming the first major book produced with 
movable type technology. 1500 - Print Explosion
Approximately 20 million books have been 
printed across Europe, dramatically increasing 
literacy and knowledge access. 1517 - Luther's 95 Theses
Martin Luther's criticisms of the Catholic Church 
spread rapidly through print, sparking the 
Protestant Reformation movement. 1558 - Index of Prohibited Books
The Catholic Church creates its Index of 
Prohibited Books, attempting to control 
dangerous ideas spreading through print. 1600 - Mass Production
Book production reaches 200 million copies 
across Europe, establishing the true "Print 
Revolution" that transforms society.
Print Arrives in India (1550s-1850s)
1550s - Portuguese Missionaries
Portuguese missionaries in Goa begin printing texts 
in Konkani, Tamil, and Malayalam languages, 
introducing print technology to the Indian 
subcontinent for the first time.
1780 - First Indian Newspaper
James Augustus Hickey establishes Hickey's 
Bengal Gazette, India's first English-language 
weekly newspaper, marking the beginning of Indian 
journalism.
1810 - Ramcharitmanas
The first printed edition of Ramcharitmanas is 
published, making this beloved Hindu epic 
accessible to common people through affordable 
printed copies.
1821 - Reform Debates Begin
Rammohun Roy starts Sambad Kaumudi, using print 
to promote social reforms while orthodox groups 
respond with their own publications.
Social Reform and Resistance (1871-1942)
The period from 1871 to 1942 witnessed print becoming a powerful weapon in India's struggle for social reform and 
political independence. Reformers like Phule and women writers like Rashsundari Debi used print to challenge 
traditional hierarchies, while nationalist leaders employed newspapers to mobilize public opinion against British 
rule.
1871 - Phule's Gulamgiri
Jyotiba Phule publishes Gulamgiri (Slavery), 
using print to challenge caste oppression and 
advocate for lower-caste rights and 
education.
1876 - Women's Voices
Rashsundari Debi publishes Amar Jiban, one 
of the first autobiographies by an Indian 
woman, breaking gender barriers in print 
culture. 1878 - Vernacular Press Act
British colonial government imposes the 
Vernacular Press Act, allowing authorities to 
censor Indian-language newspapers and 
seize printing presses.
1908 - Tilak's Imprisonment
Bal Gangadhar Tilak is jailed for his writings in 
Kesari newspaper, highlighting the growing 
conflict between nationalist press and British 
authorities.
1942 - Mass Censorship
During the Quit India movement, British 
authorities ban 90 Indian newspapers, 
demonstrating print's power in mobilizing 
nationalist resistance against colonial rule.
Quick Revision Summary
1
Global Spread
Print culture journeyed from China ³ Japan ³ Europe ³ India, transforming each society's knowledge 
systems and social structures.
2
Gutenberg's Impact
The 1450s printing press created the Print Revolution, enabling mass literacy, religious reformation, and 
political enlightenment across Europe.
3
Social Transformation
Print became a tool for mass literacy, Protestant Reformation, Enlightenment ideas, and the French 
Revolution - reshaping entire civilizations.
4
Indian Journey
From Portuguese missionaries ³ Hickey's Gazette ³ vernacular reform debates, print transformed 
Indian society and enabled mass participation.
5
Marginalized Voices
Women, workers, poor, and caste activists used print as a powerful tool for expressing their voices and 
organizing social protest movements.
6
Colonial Resistance
Colonial state alternated between tolerance and censorship (especially post-1857). Print became a key 
tool of Indian nationalism despite heavy repression.