Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The second half of the 19^th century witnessed the rise of the press through Indian-owned newspapers, both in English and vernacular languages, which became instrumental in mobilizing public opinion against colonial policies.

• These newspapers were pivotal in spreading ideas of self-governance, democracy, and civil liberties while criticizing colonial policies.
• In response, the British government enacted several repressive policies to curb this dissent.

Body

Role of the Press in Mobilizing Public Opinion

• Awareness and Political Education: Newspapers like Kesari (Marathi), The Hindu, and Amrita Bazar Patrika spread nationalist ideas and educated the masses about civil rights, democracy, and industrialization.
• Formation of Public Opinion: The press urged unity among Indians, critiqued British policies, and opposed discriminatory practices like famine mismanagement and exploitative taxation.
• Platform for National Leaders: Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Surendranath Banerjea, and Dadabhai Naoroji used newspapers as platforms to propagate nationalist ideology and inspire collective resistance.
• Political Mobilization in Remote Areas: Newspapers reached even remote villages, where editorials and articles were read aloud in local libraries, encouraging discussions and political participation.

Colonial Policies to Suppress the Press

• Vernacular Press Act, 1878 ("Gagging Act")
  • Aimed to suppress the vernacular press, which was critical of British policies, especially during events like the famine of 1876-77 and the extravagant Delhi Durbar.
  • Provisions:
    • District magistrates could demand security deposits and confiscate press equipment if newspapers caused "disaffection" or religious/caste-based antipathy.
    • No appeal could be made against the magistrate’s decision.
    • Pre-censorship of vernacular newspapers was mandated to gain exemption from the Act.
  • Public opposition led to the repeal of the Act in 1882 by Lord Ripon.
• Section 124A and 153A of IPC (Sedition Laws)
  • Section 124A criminalized any attempt to cause disaffection against the British government, with punishments including life imprisonment.
  • Section 153A targeted writings that caused hatred between different classes, primarily aimed at preventing anti-British unity.
    • Example: Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s writings in Kesari led to his imprisonment multiple times, including a six-year sentence in Mandalay for his articles and speeches.
• Newspaper (Incitement to Offences) Act, 1908
  • Enacted to suppress the extremist nationalist press during the Swadeshi Movement.
  • Empowered magistrates to confiscate printing presses and penalize newspapers publishing content inciting violence or rebellion.
• Indian Press Act, 1910
  • Revived the harsh provisions of the Vernacular Press Act, requiring printers to deposit securities and submit copies of newspapers to the government for censorship.
  • This Act sought to curtail nationalist newspapers and severely restricted the freedom of expression.

Nationalist Response to Repression:

• Strategic Subversion: Nationalist journalists used creative tactics to evade censorship.
  • For example, they prefaced critical articles with declarations of loyalty to the British government or quoted criticisms of imperialism from English newspapers to indirectly target colonial rule.
• Mass Mobilization: Repressive laws often backfired, fueling protests and enhancing public support for the nationalist movement.
• Role of the Swadeshi Movement: During this period, newspapers like Kesariand Bande Mataram openly advocated for swadeshi movement and boycotts, despite government crackdowns.

Conclusion

The press served as the lifeblood of India’s freedom struggle by fostering political consciousness, disseminating nationalist ideas, and holding colonial policies to critical scrutinyDespite repressive laws like the Vernacular Press Act and sedition laws, the resilient nationalist press became a key pillar of the independence movement, bringing the ideals of freedom and democracy to the masses.