The Indian press evolved during British rule as a powerful medium for public opinion and nationalism. However, from 1799 onward, colonial authorities imposed strict laws to censor, license, and control publications.
BulletsIn
- Indian press began under British rule; first paper in 1780
- James Augustus Hickey launched Bengal Gazette in Calcutta
- Early press criticised officials; exposed Company misrule
- British feared spread of nationalism through newspapers
- 1799 Censorship of Press Act introduced prior government scrutiny
- 1823 Licensing Regulations required official permission to publish
- Raja Ram Mohun Roy shut Mirat-ul-Akhbar due to licensing law
- 1835 Metcalfe Act abolished licensing; boosted press growth
- 1878 Vernacular Press Act curbed Indian-language newspapers
- 1910 Indian Press Act tightened control, replaced Vernacular Act




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