Hello Lubna,

This was a time period of intense controversies between social and religious reformers, and the Hindu orthodoxy over the social evils like widow immolation, child marriage, sati system, pardah system, etc. In Bengal, as the discussions and debates developed, tracts and newspapers proliferated circulating a variety of arguments.

For example : Raja Ram Mohan Roy published the Sambad Kaumudi from 1821, and the Hindu orthodoxy commissioned the Samachar Chandrika to oppose Roy’s opinions.

Thanks for asking the question, keep learning.

Introduction:
The introduction of print in India during the colonial period led to intense controversies between social and religious reformers and Hindi orthodoxy. Print media played a significant role in shaping public opinion, disseminating ideas, and challenging traditional norms and practices. This resulted in conflicts between those advocating for social and religious reform and those adhering to conservative beliefs.

Examples of Controversies:
1. Social Reformers vs. Orthodoxy:
- The introduction of print allowed social reformers to spread their ideas and challenge orthodox practices prevalent in society. For example, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a prominent social reformer, used print media to highlight social issues such as the abolition of Sati (the practice of widow immolation) and the promotion of women's education. These ideas were met with strong opposition from conservative elements within society.
- The establishment of newspapers like "Sambad Kaumudi" by Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar in Bengal faced criticism from orthodox groups who objected to the dissemination of progressive ideas through print media. These controversies often resulted in protests, public debates, and legal battles.

2. Religious Reformers vs. Orthodoxy:
- The introduction of print also sparked controversies within religious communities. Religious reformers utilized print media to challenge traditional practices and promote rationalistic and progressive interpretations of scriptures. For instance, Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj, published the "Satyarth Prakash" which questioned idol worship and advocated for monotheism. This led to intense debates and opposition from conservative elements within Hindu society.
- The printing and distribution of religious texts in vernacular languages, such as the translation of the Bible into regional languages, was seen as a threat to religious orthodoxy. Orthodox groups argued that only priests or scholars should have access to and interpret religious texts. The introduction of print challenged this monopoly and led to conflicts between reformers and orthodoxy.

Conclusion:
The introduction of print media during the colonial period in India sparked intense controversies between social and religious reformers and Hindi orthodoxy. Print allowed reformers to challenge traditional practices and advocate for social and religious reforms. However, these ideas faced strong opposition from conservative elements within society. The conflicts between reformers and orthodoxy were characterized by public debates, protests, and legal battles. The introduction of print played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and challenging traditional norms and beliefs.