Indian Journalism and Reforms 1919-1936

Evolution of the Indian Press

• Reforms Minded writers utilized the press to challenge practices like child marriage and promote reforms including widow remarriage and caste abolition.
• The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 aimed to curtail criticism of British rule in Indian language publications.
• The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885, marking a significant political movement in India.
• Nationalist figures such as Bipin Chandrapal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Dadabhai Naoroji played pivotal roles in journalism, advancing nationalist sentiments.

Third Stage of the Press (1919-1936)

• Indian newspapers were progressing, with notable publications like "Young India" (1919) and "Harijan" (1932), along with the Gujarati weekly "Navjeevan" (1920).
• Mahatma Gandhi championed the free expression of ideas through the press.
• T. Prakash launched "Swarajya" in Madras in 1922 to advocate for India's independence.
• "The Hindustan Times" (1923) was established with contributions from Jawaharlal Nehru and Motilal Nehru to support the nationalist movement.

Fourth Stage of the Press (1937-1947)

• During the pre-independence period, the press became more professional and assertive.
• Journalists focused not only on the freedom struggle but also on practical issues like newsprint availability and modernization.
• The All Indian Newspaper Editors Conference was formed in 1940, promoting collaboration among editors.
• Jawaharlal Nehru founded "National Herald" in 1938 to provide a platform for nationalist discourse.

Post-Independence Era

• The press supported government initiatives aimed at nation-building and societal growth.
• Establishment of the Press Commission and the Press Council in 1965 set norms for media operations.
• The declaration of a national emergency by Indira Gandhi in June 1975 imposed severe restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, leading to significant struggles for journalists during the 19 months of emergency.
• Following the emergency, the press transformed into a professional, market-oriented business, adopting new technologies and journalistic styles.

The First Stage of the Press (1818-1867)

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy emerged as a central figure in using publications like "Mirat-ul-Akbar" and "Brahmanical Magazine" to reform Hindu society, targeting practices such as "Sati" and child marriage.
• His influence inspired Gangadhar Bhattacharya to establish the "Bengal Gazette," the first Indian-owned English language daily in 1816.
• Calcutta and Mumbai were primary centers for the Indian press, with a slower emergence in other regions.
• The first major Indian-owned newspapers included "Times of India" (1861) founded by Robert Knight and "Indu Prakash," which appeared in the same year.

The Second Stage of the Press (1867-1918)

• The press became increasingly involved in the nationalist struggle against British colonial rule, with prominent figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahadev Govind Ranade, and Dadabhai Naoroji utilizing it as a tool for reform.
• Notable newspapers of this stage included "Indu Prakash" and "Kesari," vital in advocating Indian perspectives against colonial narratives.
• Major developments included the establishment of telegraph lines and the emergence of significant Indian newspapers like "Amritha Bazar Patrika" (1875), "Statesman" (1875), and "The Hindu" (1878).

Impact of British Rule on Mass Media

• British rule significantly influenced the development of mass media in India, notably through the introduction of the English language.
• Early press establishment was marked by James Augustus Hickey founding the first newspaper, reflecting British interests.
• Christian missionaries were instrumental in introducing printing technology to India in the 15th and 16th centuries, primarily for distributing religious literature.
• The transformation of print media into a powerful and influential industry can be traced through its historical evolution in four distinct stages.

Explore the vital role of journalism in advocating for social reforms like widow remarriage and the abolishment of child marriage during the early 20th century in India. This quiz highlights the impact of the Vernacular Press Act and the contributions of prominent nationalists in shaping public opinion. Test your knowledge on the evolution of Indian journalism and its relation to the freedom struggle.