Which of the following earned the epithet Liberator of the Indian Pres...
The correct answer is option 'A', Charles Metcalfe.
Charles Metcalfe, also known as Lord Metcalfe, was the Governor-General of India from 1835 to 1836. He is known as the "Liberator of the Indian Press" for his contribution towards the freedom of the press in India.
Freedom of the Press in India
During the British rule in India, the press was not free, and the government had a tight grip on what could be published. The press was censored, and editors were punished for publishing articles that were critical of the government. This led to a lack of freedom of expression, and the Indian public had limited access to information.
Contribution of Charles Metcalfe
Charles Metcalfe believed in the freedom of the press and was against censorship. He believed that the press should be free to criticize the government and express their opinions. During his tenure as the Governor-General of India, he introduced several measures that promoted the freedom of the press.
• Removal of Press Regulations: Metcalfe removed the press regulations that were in place, which allowed the press to publish articles freely without government intervention.
• Abolition of Press Licensing System: Metcalfe abolished the press licensing system, which allowed anyone to start a newspaper without government approval.
• Freedom of Speech: Metcalfe believed in the freedom of speech and allowed public debate and criticism of the government without fear of punishment.
These measures had a significant impact on the Indian press and paved the way for the freedom of the press in India. Metcalfe's contribution earned him the epithet "Liberator of the Indian Press."
Conclusion
Charles Metcalfe played a crucial role in the freedom of the press in India. His measures allowed the press to publish articles without government intervention, and it led to the growth of the Indian press. Metcalfe's contribution towards the freedom of the press earned him the title "Liberator of the Indian Press."