The Origins of Journalism in India

1. The Origins of Journalism in India

2. From time immemorial, news comprised of issues, laws or actions that kings or governments (currently) dealt with or implemented • Inscriptions on walls of temples, on copper plates, victory coins and writing on walls • Town criers, wandering minstrels, folk artists Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

3. The newspaper as we know today is of European origin • Wall posters were the forerunners of the newspaper in Europe • They first appeared in Venice, in 1566 • They were called Notize Scritte (written notices) and were displayed in public places • A small token fee of a small coin called gazetta was levied on those who wanted to read them Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

4. Individual newsletters sent to businessmen and statesmen containing foreign news • News books • 1621 primitive news sheet called coranto • The first periodical to come close to the newspaper was the Oxford Gazette in 1655 Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

5. Printed twice a week and after 24 issues became the London Gazette • It was in the 18 century that the newspaper as we know now – with daily publication and miscellaneous content emerged • Parties emerged at the very time when the newspapers came to be a force in the political and social affairs of a people interested more and more in government Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

6. Once the authorities realised the value of printing and publishing news, they kept a firm grip on the press and nothing could be published without a license • It was a time which presented the writer with two options : truth and lies • One could not know easily where truth lay and so authority had to lead the way Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

7. On March 11, 1702, the first daily newspaper appeared in London , the Daily Courant • Produced and sold by E. Mallet, it lasted only for a few days • However, it was revived by Samuel Buckley who made it into a remarkable newspaper Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

8. He did not want it to be a rumour mill and was determined that it should report factual news rather than opinion • He was always careful to indicate the place and date for the news he published, so that “the public seeing from what country a piece of news comes with the allowance of that Government, may be better able to judge of the credibility and fairness of the relations” Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

9. Newspapers in India • The newspaper came to India as an alien product, one of the benefits of British rule • In the early years it was confined to and served the interests of the ruling classes • The East India company not favourably inclined to newspapers and specially criticisms • The press in India controlled by Englishmen drew its strength from the power of the press in England Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

10. Calcutta- Birthplace of Journalism in India • First newspaper- Bengal Gazette (Calcutta General Advertiser)- January 29th 1780 in Calcutta, two sheet weekly • Editor : James Augustus Hicky • Gossip and scandal- for European readers • No editorial, but Hicky’s Column • Described as a ‘witty and scurrilous’ paper Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

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12. Hicky was not popular with officials, merchants and businessmen • Ample publicity to social do’s and life, but also ridiculed them • Used the paper to hit out at people he disliked • Enmity of Governor general Warren Hastings Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

13. ‘Indian Gazette’ rival to the Bengal Gazette came in the same year • 4 pages, 16 inches long, well printed and better • Readers started deserting him • Hicky attacked his proprietors (suspected for supplying types to his rival) • Indian Gazette was also granted postal facilities, whereas Hicky was denied • Hicky complained to readers • Advised to approach Mrs Hastings Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

14. In 1781 Hicky was convicted of defamation on two counts, sentenced to a year of imprisonment and Rs 2000 fine • Although in prison,the Bengal Gazettte continued to appear and was now more defiant • Great public support Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

15. But in March 1782, Hastings seized the types used for printing on the paper and Hickys Gazette winded up • Within 6 years of Hickys newspaperfour weeklies and a monthly were started in Calcutta • In Bombay and Madras there were very few newspapers Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

16. In 1785 the Madras Courier which was officially recognized and owned by the government printer • 1793- Hurkaru, Editor Boyd which lasted one year • The Indian Herald an unauthorized newspaper edited by Humphrey • He was punished for printing without permission Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

17. There were no newspapers in Bombay till 1789 • 1789, the Bombay Herald was started • It merged into the Bombay Gazette in 1791 and became an official publication • The Courier started in 1790 had the distinction of carrying Gujrathi ads to serve Indian readership Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

18. The governments attitude was one of contempt for newspapers and their editors • The government exercised strict control over the press. Parliament proceedings in England could not be published in India as they were considered “seditious literature” Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

19. William Bolts was prosecuted for supplying information of Parliamentary proceedings to Siraj-Ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal • Newspapers in Bengal were ordered in 1785- not to publish resolutions of the governor- generals council • General pre-censorship on news- Submit copies before being published Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

20. The press was submissive in Madras and Bombay, not so in Calcutta • William Duane the Editor of Bengal Journal accused of publishing false report of the death of Lord Cornwallis in 1791 • He refuses to publish apology, saying that the source of his news was a prominent Frenchman Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

21. Ordered to be deported, saved by intervention of a French agent • He however lost his editorship and became a marked man • Started another paper Indian World which ran for three years • Finally was deported in late 1794 Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

22. Indian newspapers were disgusted with the complete lack of freedom • Some reprinted articles from Britain, were duly penalized • Some wrote articles resembling their British contemporaries • All highly critical of the government Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

23. James Silk Buckingham • Hailed as the first real journalist in India in the early 19th century • Described by Nehru as “earliest champions of freedom of the Press and a man who is still remembered in this country” • Came to India as the Editor of the Calcutta Chronicle which was started by some Calcutta merchants to propagate their views and protect their interests Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

24. The first issue on October 2 1818, indicated that it would be a chronicle of political, commercial and literary news and views • Buckingam was a scholar in anthropology and literature, well read and a keen observer of customs and habits of people • He brought a breath of fresh air to atmosphere polluted by scandal-mongering, frivolous and flippant Press Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

25. Introduced his readers to great writers like Walter Scott, Byron etc • Introduced drawings and charts in the paper to make matter more interesting and easy to understand • Laid more emphasis on news of local conditions than fashion and social life of people Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

26. A notable feature was letters to editor, very different from what used to appear in other newspapers • Criticism just and fair Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

27. Editorials were on government policies regarding issues like, postal services, military establishments, deportation laws, Govt. indifference etc • Fearless in condemning Indian social evils like Sati and the governments inability to put an end to them Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

28. Gave prominence to native language journals like Bengali and Persian • Friend of Indian press, defended its right to exist and voice the opinion of the Indian people • He wrote in his editorial, “ The languages of the East are surely fit for noble purposes than being conned over in schools and colleges and stored up in lexicons” Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

29. Was the inspiration behind the growth of Indian journalism • The advent of public discussion, public conduct of bureaucrats and state functionaries and educated public opinion were thanks to him • Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Buckhingam shared a mutual admiration for each other Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

30. He believed that “ If knowledge is a blessing and ignorance a curse, then the objective of a good Press would be to dispel the latter and promote the former” • His opinions were revolutionary, especially in the background of the prevailing notion about the Press Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

31. He believed that “ when men know the eyes of the world upon them and that their conduct will be scrutinised by their enemies as well as their friends, they are more careful to act justly than when they know that their deeds will neither be seen nor questioned.” Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

32. Calcutta Chronicle soon appeared twice a week and became an eight pages paper • Had rivals in eight other papers and these led by major competitor Asiatic Mirror editor Boyce. Boyce attacked Buck on many occasions, raked up his mysterious past, tried demeaning him on many accounts • Not much is known about his past except that he sympathised with the Whigs Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

33. Whig" and "Tory" are political party labels that have been in use in England since around 1681--and their specific meaning has varied somewhat with changing historical circumstances. • By extension, then, the Whigs were seen as asserting the primacy of Parliament over the monarch, while the Tories were seen as asserting the inverse. Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

34. Whigs believed that the King was there at the request and goodwill of the people of the country so could only continue to rule at their approval. • The Tories believed in the divine right of Kings to rule - that they were ordained by God Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

35. Buckingam was not a favorite with the government due to constant criticism of their policies. • The advocate general and a section of the Supreme Court wanted him deported • Though he had the support of Hindu intellectuals like Roy it was more of a disability than a strength to him Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

36. Though he was acquitted in that particular case, his detractors finally managed to have him deported in 1823 • He appointed an Anglo Indian as his successor (Anglo Indians could not be deported) • Government realised that deportation ceased to be effective and fool proof Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

37. Censorship of press in India took a new turn • New order was passed prohibiting publication and selling of newspapers and journals which the governor might disapprove Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

38. Buckingham’s ‘folly’ • Took topics that touched roots of administration • Repeated disclosures of official malpractices • Success in securing redressal of grievances • Gaining popularity • Influencing public opinion • Discussing topics sensitive to the East India Company Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

39. Even after Buckingam left, Calcutta Chronicle continued with full vigour • Attempts were made to suppress the paper • But the editor was half Indian, therefore could not deported, other paltry punishments proved ineffective Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

40. However, Arnot a sub-editor was imprisoned, he appealed, since no case against him, was released • But he was ‘transported’ back to England. • Though he was kept a prisoner he was told to pay expenses Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

41. Calcutta Chronicle temporarily stopped till the son-in-law of Buckingam accepted editorship • Buckingam appealed to the Board of Directors and Parliament against the injustice meted out to him and his paper Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

42. Finally he was awarded a compensation of 200 pounds annually • Calcutta Chronicle meanwhile continued, no longer in its former glory Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

43. Buckingam’s contribution He made the newspaper the mirror of the people. He manifested the spirit of enquiry and criticism. And he imparted to the Press, the quality of leadership. By deporting him, the bureaucracy wanted to warn others. But it could not put out the spark he had kindled. Buckingham was one of those rare journalists who are born rather than made.” Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

44. A FEW CHANGES • Deportation of journalists disgusted many Englishmen, a few who were high ranking officials in East India Company • Charles Forbes in the House of Commons,1825, “conduct of the govt. in India loudly calls for the intervention of Parliament… natives are continually imprisoned without trial… native ruler behind bars for 15 years for no reason” Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

45. Called the restrictions on the Press “absurd” and “useless” • A Colonel Robinson wrote to a Calcutta journal that the “Press did more to check abuse of power, foul play, illegal trading and cheating cases than all the regulations of the Bengal Code” Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

46. New Laws • 1825- “Company servants should have no connection either as proprietors or editors with any journal which was not devoted to literary or scientific topics” • Licensing- Bombay Govt. passed a law ‘to prohibit the publication of any NP except by person holding a license, which will be revocable at will by the Governor’ Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

47. Press before the awakening of Indian Nationalism • 1800 to 1840- Dark years for India & UK • England – Complete misadministration • India- absolute autocracy • Natives- Immersed in taxes • The Press which had been subject to ordinary laws under Hastings now became subservient to the Company by arbitrary licensing laws Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College

48. THE END Seema Narendran Ramnarain Ruia College