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Printing Press - Class Notes
History / (MUM-ARTS-025)
University of Mumbai
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Printing Press
Origin of Press in India: Origin of printing press: Printing press was introduced to India as early as 16th century in the year 1550 by the Portuguese. But it wasn't used until 1556, the first printing press in India was established at the Jesuit St. Paul’s College in Old Goa. One of the first and the most famous books to be printed on this press was ‘Catecismo da Doutrina Cristã’
History of newspaper in India: Earliest attempts to publish a newspaper was done by Mr. William Bolts in 1776, Calcutta. He was an ex employee of the company and knew things he wanted to shed light on which was of concern for the Officials. But Mr. Bolts failed to do so as he was forced to leave Bengal and proceed to Madras and from there take his leave to Europe.
Calcutta: James August Hickey started the first newspaper in India known as Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Advertiser, in 1780. Hickey's hardly published any news for Indians he used Bengal Gazette to make personal attacks on the servants of the company and expose their private lives including the Governor-General, Warren Hastings. which soon landed him into trouble as British administration took over the paper and imprisoned Hickey for 2 years.
Madras and Bombay: Trend soon caught up with Madras and Bombay. Madras saw it's first newspaper, 'Madras Courier' published by Richard Johnson in 1785. Bombay wasn't that faraway, William Ashburner printed the first newspaper in Bombay known as 'Bombay Courier' in 1789 and later got renamed as Bombay Gazette in 1791. Both papers were in contrast with Hickey's Paper. On the contrary, they wanted to be on the good side of the government to earn official recognition and to enjoy official favour.
Press Laws and Censorship: British Administration did everything in their power to curb the growth of Indian press.
The Censorship of the Press Act, 1799: In order to control their competition in India, 'The French' so that they don't spread Anti- British propaganda. Lord Wellesley imposed rigid guidelines and censorship for newspaper publication. Later pamphlets, journals and books were also included in this act.
The Licensing regulations Act, 1823:
This act was passed by Governor General John Adam. After this act Governor General had the right to revoke any License. Every printer and publisher needed to have licences before starting a press or printing any material. Going against this act and printing any literary work without the license lead to Rs. 400/- fine.
The Liberation of the Indian Press Act 1835 or Metcalfe Act: Governor General Charles Metcalfe also known as 'The liberator of Indian press' because of his
actions. He revoked the 'The Licensing regulations Act, 1823' this lead to significant growth in the newspapers of India.
The Licensing Act, 1857: Restrictions imposed by 'The Licensing regulations Act, 1823' were reenacted because of the 1857 sepoy mutiny.
The Registration Act, 1867: This act was more of a regulation than restriction that the printing presses had to follow. They were:
- By this act, the name of the printer, publisher and place of printing had to be printed on the newspapers or books
- Publisher had to send a copy of the book free of charge to the Government.
Vernacular Press Act, 1878: During this time of British Raj, Newspaper became important tool to light up that spark which was needed to create unrest and awaken the Indian psychi for freedom struggle. Prominent Indian intellects shared their thoughts through newspaper. Many newspaper started coming in regional languages to spread the word of Swaraj. In order to control this situation Viceroy Lord Lytton passed the most controversial act in 1878, Vernacular Press Act.
Newspaper (Incitement to Offences) Act, 1908: According to this act, Local government were bestowed by the power to nullify any declaration made by the printing presses. Magistrate got the power to take control over printing presses if their newspaper incited act of violence or murder. One up side if this act was newspaper editors could now appeal to the high court within 15 days if their presses were seized.
The Indian Press Act, 1910: This act brought the worst features of Lytton's acts. Where the printer now had to send 2 free copies of the newspaper to the local government. Chief Custom Officer had the power to seize any suspicious imported packages.
Press: Nationalism and Reforms Intellects of India realised the great potential Indian press had and started sowing seeds of nationalism among the masses through newspapers, essays, patriotic poetry. Awakening of Nationalism: The main game changer was the start of newspapers in vernacular language. At first there were quite few english newspapers which could deliver the message to only few number of English speaking educated elites of the society but as things progressed and newspapers in regional languages started emerging which could cater to the large masses it helped to develop the fanaticism for freedom which gave immense boost to the Independence movement. Newspapers like Andhra Prakasika, Bande Mataram , Mahratta, Kesari, Bombay Samachar, Samachar Darpan are few such examples. There are number of poems written by freedom fighter and poets. Rabindranath Tagore wrote number of poems in 'Gitanjali' also the poem “where the mind is without fear”. It's because of him we got our national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'.
Printing Press - Class Notes
Course: History / (MUM-ARTS-025)
University: University of Mumbai
