Indian History Sources

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Questions and Answers

Who was the first survey general of Bengal?

Victor Jacquemont

James Augustus Hickey

William Moorcroft

James Rennell (correct)

Which publication is known as the first newspaper in India?

The Bengal Gazette (correct)

The Madras Courier

The Bombay Herald

The Calcutta Gazette

What was the main purpose of early newspapers and journals in India?

To entertain Indian citizens

To inform about local customs

To promote British Colonial policies

To cater to the intellectual entertainment of Europeans (correct)

What was a common subject of interest among non-British travelers to India?

Hindu customs and manners Signup and view all the answers

Which reform records are especially useful for studying constitutional developments from 1920-1937?

Records of reforms office Signup and view all the answers

Which traveler wrote the 'Narrative of a Visit to the Court of Sinde'?

James Burnes Signup and view all the answers

What prompted William Bolts to announce the publication of a newspaper in 1776?

His resignation from the East India Company Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT among the noted early newspapers in India?

The Bombay Times Signup and view all the answers

Which founding father of the Indian National Congress was associated with the newspaper 'Kesari'?

Bal Gangadhar Tilak Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary theme of Bankim Chandra Chatterji's novel 'Anandamath'?

The Sanyasi Revolt Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following newspapers was edited by N.N. Sen?

Indian Mirror Signup and view all the answers

Which Tamil writer is known for the novel 'Mohana Rajani'?

Girija Devi Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the newspaper 'Ghadar' published in San Francisco?

Infused nationalism among expatriate Indians Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for the novel 'Hind ane Britannia'?

Icharam Suryaram Desai Signup and view all the answers

Which Telugu literary work focuses on the moral aspects and behavior of rural people?

Keelubommalu Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect characterized the works of Indian nationalists and revolutionaries abroad?

Infusion of nationalism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Surveys and Reform Records

James Rennell served as the first survey general of Bengal starting in 1767.
Records from the reforms office are crucial for analyzing constitutional developments between 1920 and 1937.
Khalasa Darbar refers to the Kingdom of Lahore.
The Peshwa Daftar is an important source for Maratha history.

Traveler Memorabilia

Notable travelers with significant contributions to Indian history include:
- Bishop Heber’s journal, which documents experiences in India.
- Abbe Dubois, focusing on Hindu manners and customs.
- George Forster, providing insights into Indian society.
- James Burnes, known for "Narrative of a Visit to the Court of Sinde."
- Alexander Burnes’ "Travels Into Bokhara," offering views from central Asia.
- C.J.C. Davidson, whose diary shares adventures in Upper India.
- John Butler, documenting travels in Assam.
Non-British travelers also made significant observations:
- Victor Jacquemont, with "Letters from India," describing journeys across India and Tibet.
- Baron Charles’ work on Kashmir and Punjab.
- William Moorcroft’s explorations add depth to understanding the region.

Newspapers and Journals

Early newspapers emerged from disgruntled East India Company employees exposing trade malpractices.
William Bolts announced a newspaper in 1776 following censure from the Court of Directors.
James Augustus Hickey launched the first Indian newspaper, "The Bengal Gazette," in 1780, which was shut down within two years due to government criticism.
Subsequent publications included:
- The Calcutta Gazette (1784)
- The Madras Courier (1788)
- The Bombay Herald (1789)
Initial newspapers primarily entertained European and Anglo-Indian intellectuals.
One-third of the founding fathers of the Indian National Congress in 1885 were journalists, highlighting their influential role.
Notable fearless journalism included:
- "The Hindu" and "Swadesamitran" under G. Subramaniya Iyer
- "Kesari" and "Mahratta" under Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- "Indian Mirror" under N. N. Sen
- "Voice of India" under Dadabhai Naoroji
Various regional newspapers emerged, enhancing local discourse.

Indian Nationalist Publications Abroad

Indian nationalists started papers to inspire nationalism among expatriates:
- "Indian Sociologist" (London) by Shyamji Krishnavarma
- "Bande Matram" (Paris) by Madam Cama
- "Talwar" (Berlin) by Virendranath Chattopadhyay
- "Ghadar" (San Francisco) by Lala Hardayal

Creative Literature

Bankim Chandra Chatterji, a leading Bengali novelist, produced historical novels, most notably "Anandamath" (1882), famous for its lyric "Vandemataram" and portrayal of the Sanyasi Revolt.
Icharam Suryaram Desai contributed political perspectives in Gujarati literature with his novel "Hind ane Britannia."
Tamil writers Girija Devi and Ramatirthammal wrote notable works "Mohana Rajani" (1931) and "Dasikalin Mosavalai" (1936), respectively.
G. V. Krishna Rao’s "Keelubommalu" (1956) in Telugu highlights rural moralities.
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was an eminent Malayalam writer known for his engaging narratives.

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Description

Explore essential historical sources and documents that provide insights into Indian history from various perspectives. This quiz covers significant figures and traveler's accounts that shaped the understanding of Indian cultures and reforms from 1767 to 1937. Test your knowledge on the contributions of travelers and administrators in historical studies.