With reference to the history of Indian press, which of the following ...
- The history of the Indian press begins with the coming of the Europeans. The Portuguese were the first European nation who brought a printing press to India and the first book published in India was by the Jesuits of Goa in 1557. In 1684 the English East India Company set up a printing press in Bombay. For about a century no newspapers were published in the Company's territories because the Company's servants in India wished to withhold the news of their malpractices and abuses of 'private trading' from reaching London.
- The first attempts to publish newspapers in India were made by the disgruntled employees of the East India Company who sought to expose the malpractices of Private trade. Hence option (c) is the correct answer. In 1776 William Bolts, being censured by the court of Directors for private trading, resigned his service and the Company and announced his intention to publish a newspaper and made it known that he had in his possession "in manuscript many things to communicate which most intimately concerned every individual."
- The official quarters at once reacted and Bolts' scheme ended in embryo. It was James Augustus Hickey who published the first newspaper in India entitled The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Advertiser in the year 1780. For his outspoken criticism of Government officials and scurrilous attacks on the Governor-General and the chief Justice, Hickey's press was seized in 1782.
- The following years saw the appearance of new publications like The Calcutta Gazette (1784), The Bengal Journal (1785), The Oriental Magazine of Calcutta or Calcutta Amusement (1785), The Calcutta Chronicle (1786). The Madras Courier (1788), The Bombay Herald (1789) etc. The promoters of these new publications profited from Hickey's bitter experience and avoided clash with the authorities.
With reference to the history of Indian press, which of the following ...
The correct statement is option 'C' - The first attempts to publish newspapers in India were made by the disgruntled employees of the East India Company who sought to expose the malpractices of private trade.
Explanation:
The history of Indian press dates back to the late 18th century when the first newspapers were published in the country. The statement in option 'C' is correct as it accurately describes the early attempts at newspaper publication in India.
1. Background:
During the 18th century, the British East India Company established its presence in India and began to exert its influence over various aspects of Indian society, including trade and governance. The company's policies and practices often faced criticism, and there was a need to expose their malpractices.
2. Disgruntled Employees:
Disgruntled employees of the East India Company, who were unhappy with the company's policies and practices, took it upon themselves to publish newspapers to expose the malpractices of private trade. These employees were well-versed in the English language and had access to printing technology.
3. The First Newspapers:
The first newspaper to be published in India was the "Bengal Gazette" or the "Calcutta General Advertiser," which was started by James Augustus Hickey in 1780. Hickey was an employee of the East India Company and used the newspaper as a platform to criticize the company's actions.
4. Impact and Expansion:
The publication of the Bengal Gazette sparked a wave of newspaper publications in India. Many other employees of the East India Company followed suit and started their own newspapers to highlight the issues and malpractices prevalent in society. These newspapers played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and promoting awareness among the masses.
5. Growth of the Press:
With the passage of time, the Indian press grew in size and influence. It played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, providing a platform for nationalist leaders and spreading awareness about the atrocities of colonial rule. The press became a powerful tool for mobilizing public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among the Indian population.
Overall, the correct statement in option 'C' highlights the early attempts at newspaper publication in India by disgruntled employees of the East India Company, who sought to expose the malpractices of private trade. This marked the beginning of the rich and diverse history of press in India.
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