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.

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•  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