Who introduced the printing press in India?a)Frenchb)Italianc)Portuguesed)None of theseCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Answer

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.

Answer

The correct answer is option 'C' - Portuguese.

Introduction of the Printing Press in India

The introduction of the printing press in India is credited to the Portuguese. It was during the colonial period when the Portuguese arrived in India, bringing with them the technology of printing.

Portuguese Influence in India

During the 16th century, the Portuguese established their presence in India, primarily along the western coast. They came to India as traders and gradually expanded their control over territories, including Goa, Daman, and Diu. The Portuguese influence in India lasted for over four centuries, leaving a significant impact on various aspects of Indian society, including language, art, architecture, and technology.

Impact of the Printing Press

The introduction of the printing press revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and information in India. Prior to the printing press, the process of reproducing books and texts was time-consuming and labor-intensive. Scribes manually copied manuscripts, making it a slow and expensive process. The printing press mechanized this process, allowing for faster and more efficient production of books.

Printing Press in Goa

Goa, which was a Portuguese colony, became the center for printing in India. The first printing press in India was established in Goa in 1556 by the Portuguese missionary, João de Bustamante. It was known as the 'Imprensa Nacional' or the National Press. The printing press in Goa initially focused on printing religious texts and materials in Portuguese and other European languages.

Spread of Printing Press

The printing press technology gradually spread to other parts of India. As the Portuguese established their presence in different regions, they introduced the printing press to cater to their administrative, religious, and educational needs. The press in Goa played a crucial role in disseminating Portuguese literature, as well as translating and printing works in Indian languages.

Legacy of the Printing Press

The introduction of the printing press in India had a profound impact on Indian society. It facilitated the spread of knowledge, literacy, and cultural exchange. It played a significant role in the development of regional languages and literature. The printing press also contributed to the growth of journalism, with the emergence of newspapers and periodicals.

In conclusion, the Portuguese introduced the printing press in India during the colonial period. The printing press revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and played a crucial role in the cultural and educational development of India.

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